
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 

Shelf, 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



Thirty-Five Yeaf^s 



AMONG THE POOR, 



PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS 



CINCINNATI. 



JOSEPH EJ^LIBK,"Z" 7 

City Missionary. 



" Blessed is he that considereth the poor. 

" The poor ye have with you always, 
And whensoever ye will, 
Ye may do them good," 



" With malice toward none, 
With charity for all." 



\ ' m ix 



CINCINNATI: 
George IS. Stevens Sc Co. 

1887. 



4,4,/A 






The Library 

Ot CnWRESS 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1887, by Rev. Jos. 
Emery, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 
All rights reserved. 



ELM STREET PRINTING COMPANY, 
176 and 178 Elm Street, 

Cincinnati, Ohio. 



PREFACE. 



Why was this book written ? 

The question admits of various answers. Frequently, while 
narrating some of the scenes here recorded, persons have said: 
" How interesting such things are — well worth printing— and the 
reading of them can not fail to do good." So they are written and 
published to glorify God and to do good to our fellow-men. 

Again, the subject of carrying the gospel to and caring for the 
poor ought to have a greater hold on this community than it has 
ever had. Instead of one solitary missionary, there ought to be 
in our city twenty men always employed in this work. 

There ought to be one for Longview Asylum, with its seven 
hundred inmates. There ought to be one for the two infirmaries. 
There certainly ought to be one for our City Hospital, with its 
four hundred patients. And there should be ten others, to visit 
the poor and hold cottage meetings and gospel meetings among 
them. There is a surprising apathy on this subject. Eastern cities 
have their city mission societies. 

One object in writing this book is to stir up Christian people 
especially, and other benevolent men, to consecrate their money 
for the evangelization of the heathen in our midst. Shall it be 
done? 

To give bread and fuel to the poor is all right and proper ; but 
"Man doth not live by bread alone, but by every word of God 
shall he live." People are mournfully ignorant of the Word of 
God and the gospel of Christ. And they are willingly ignorant. 
Shall they perish in their sins ? 

(iii) 



iv PREFACE. 

Many instances of the deaths of persons herein recorded show 
the evil consequences of sin, and the blessedness of a life of piety 
and godliness. 

Among the poor are found many examples of pure religion. 
All along the line of thirty-five years, the writer has found it is 
well with those who serve God, and it is ill with the wicked. 
And, " Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." 

The writer thanks God for the health and strength given all 
these years, and for the ability and opportunity to write these 
sketches from real life. He desires to give all the glory to God 
for the good accomplished, for the tears wiped away, for the hearts 
made glad, for the light which has shined into many homes and 
hearts, for the young who have been instructed in righteousness, 
for others who have been quickened to greater consecration to the 
service of Christ. To God be all the glory. 

With sincerity the writer can say, nothing has been set down in 
malice, or with any desire to injure any mortal on the earth. His 
heart's wish has been to benefit and encourage his fellow-men. 

May the reading of these pages, written under many difficulties, 
and amid many pressing duties, incite and encourage every one 
to increased activity in aiding the sorrowing, aged and afflicted, 
by prayer, sympathies and material blessings. 

The Author. 

August 26, 1887. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

PAGE. 

Public Institutions, 9 

The Old Jail— Chain-gang— Murderer Hung— A Temporary- 
Prison, 9 

City Work-house— Finest Jail in the Country— Nativity of 

Prisoners — Expense of Work-house, 1 6 

Penitentiary— A Remarkable Meeting, 20 

House op Refuge, 22 

Cincinnati Orphan Asylum, ........ 23 

German Orphan Asylum, 26 

Colored Orphan Asylum 27 

Children's Home, . , . 29 

Commercial Hospital, 31 

New Cincinnati Hospital— The Flower Mission — Surgical 
Operations— The Riot, Killed and Wounded— Children's 

Ward, 42 

St. Luke's Hospital, 57 

.Marine Hospital— Homeopathic, 59 

Pest-house, 60 

Jewish Hospital, 64 

The Widows' Home, (54 

German Widows' Home, 67 

Home for the Friendless and Foundlings 68 

Longview Asylum, . , 71 

City Infirmary, 72 

County Infirmary, 90 

Strangers' Home 92 

chapter ii. 

War Times, 94 

Sick and Wounded Soldiers — Emancipated Slaves — A Dying 
Negro — Cincinnati under Martial Law — Military Hospitals: 
Marine, George Street, Third and Fourth Streets, 
(v) 



VI CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER III. 

PAGE. 

Cholera Times, 112 

Making Light of the Pestilence— Death through Fear— A Blas- 
phemer's Death— Calls at Midnight. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Visitations to Families — 1852, 124 

Impostors— Father Cox. One Hundred Years Old— Afflicted Ger- 
man Family-Happy at Ninety-seven— A Dying Policeman — 
Death of an Englishman— A Profane Man's Conversion— Ice- 
bound River— Three Widows in a Cottage— Five Years Sick— A 
Skeptical Woman. 

CHAPTER V. 

Tent Meetings— 1856, 148 

CHAPTER VI.. 

Clermont Academy, 157 

CHAPTER VII. 

Visitations to Families, 160 

Only a Step, and Death— Out of Darkness— Visit to an Iron 
Foundry. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Ordination Services, 167 

CHAPTER IX. 

Visitations to Families — 1858, 170 

CHAPTER X. 

Prejudice against Colored People, 174 

CHAPTER XI. 

Kobert Raikes Centennial, 179 

CHAPTER XII. 

Open-Air Preaching, 181 

Arrested for Preaching— Threatened Riot— Remarkable Conver- 
sion. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Visitations to Families— 1860, 196 

Criminal— A Misanthrope— Saved from Lunacy— Station-house 
Lodgers— Strangers' Home. 



CONTENTS. vii 



CHAPTER XIV. 

PAGE. 

The Flying Artillery, 210 

Hamilton— Dayton— Springfield — Yellow Springs- Lebanon — 
Louisville— Indianapolis— Lafayette— Richmond -Piqua - - New 
Richmond— Portsmouth— Ironton— Hanging Rock. 

CHAPTER XV. 

Visitations to Families —1860-65, 231 

Remarkable Women— An Aged Colored Woman -Killed by a 
Car— An Aged Scotch Woman — A Sad Case— Sick, Poor and Re- 
signed—A Remarkable Conversion— Tenement-house— Clothing 
Distributed. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

The Bible Excluded from our Public Schools, . . 255 

Large Meetings — Petitions — Sad Results — Sabbath Laws Re- 
pealed—Lawlessness and Crime. 

chapter xvii. 

Churches and Sabbath-schools, ....... 261 

High Street— Freeman Street -Walker Mill Road Chapel— Union 
Baptist Sabbath-school— Union Baptist— Cutter Street — Wade 
Street— Mt. Auburn. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Plum Street Mission— 1867, < , . 271 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Visitations to Families, 276 

Happy in Poverty— A Daughter's Death— A Soldier's Mother- 
Public Officials— Sinful Women Repentant — Southern Planters 
— A Soldier's Death— Two Excellent Women— A Sad Death. 

CHAPTER XX. 

Execution of Three Murderers, ....... 291 

Olgus, Goetz and Case. 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Needed Vacation, 299 

Jay Cooke's Summer Residence— Gibraltar. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Visitations to Families, 303 

A Faithful Servant — Father Carroll— George Cole— A Whole 
Family Cut Off— Death by Accident — Triumphant Death. 



viii CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

PAGE. 

Swearers Reproved. 307 

Two Lumbermen— Wide-spread Evil— Profanity among Boys- 
How to Check the Evil. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Across the Atlantic, 312 

Burial at Sea— Glasgow— London -Westminster Abbey -Ragged 
Schools- Midnight Mission- -Alms-houses — Bristol — Mueller's 
Orphan Houses— St. Albans— Hull Cambridge— Eaton— Stroud 
—Return Voyage— A Sabbath in New York. 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Visitations to Families— 1871-76, 332 

Death from Sunstroke— Drunkards' Deaths— Grave-robber— In- 
fidel's Death— Three Children Killed— Burned to Death— Death 
of a Young Mother— Dying in Darkness— A Surprise— Infidelity 
Cowardly— Policeman Shot— A Suicide's Death. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

The Centennial— 1876, 345 

Visit to Philadelphia— Exposition— Widows' Home— The Corliss 
Engine— Independence Hall. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

Visitations to Families— 1876-81, 350 

Friends of the Mission— Need of a Public Swimming Bath- 
Philanthropists— Death in a Tenement-house— Infidel's Conver- 
sion—President Garfield's Death, September, 1881. 

chapter xxviii. 
Coals for the Poor, 363 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

Visitations to Families, 364 

Ministers' Deaths— A Touching Case— Walnut Street Fire— Fac- 
tory Girl— Salvation Army— Triple Funeral* all Murdered — 
Dwellers in Boats— Converted in the Penitentiary. 

CHAPTER XXX. 

The Two Floods -1883-84, 374 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

Origin of the Mission, 377 

Its Changes— Present Condition— Voluntary Contributions. 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



PAGE. 

City Work-house, Frontispiece. 

Cincinnati Hospital, ....... 48 

Home for the Friendless and Foundlings, . . 80 

House of Refuge, 112 

City Infirmary, 144 

Ninth Street Baptist Church, 272 

Children's Home, 320 



The thanks of the author are tendered to the re- 
spective Boards of the above institutions for the use 
of the plates. 



Thirty-Five Years ^mong tlje Poor aijd the Public 
Igstitutioijs of Cincinnati, 



CHAPTER I. 

PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. 



THE OLD JAIL. 

Situated on the east side of Sycamore Street, north 
of the Canal, was the place where my missionary 
labors began, February 22, 1852. It was a low, unpre- 
tentious brick building, standing back from the street 
some fifty yards. As one entered the building he 
found the office on the left hand; on the right another 
room for the jailer's family, with the rooms above. 
A huge iron door, with an inner one of iron bars, 
opened into what what was called the 

CHAIN-GANG ROOM, 

One of the darkest and dingiest rooms ever known 
in this city. Just think of from twenty to forty men 
confined in a room so dark one could hardly read 
even at the entrance, and every man with a chain 

(9) 



10 OLD JAIL. 

attached to his ankle, carrying a forty-pound ball of 
iron at the other end ! Only a thin, dirty mattress 
on which to sleep, and the chain remained a constant 
companion, night and day. 

Their food was corn bread, a little soup, and a po- 
tato by way of variety. Many a time these weary 
men were seen passing along the streets to the quarries 
on the hills, where they toiled. 

What a contrast to-day, from the way these viola- 
tors of law were treated! Visit our splendid Work- 
house, with its clean floors, whitened walls, good 
workshops, clean beds, and taste the food, and then 
draw the contrast, if you can. There was no Prison 
Reform in those days, but every city and town did 
what was right in its own eyes. 

From the cheery Sabbath-school on Baker Street, 
into this dreadful place the missionary entered on 
the Sabbath mornings. The rattling of chains, the 
darkness of the room, and the grim faces of the men 
reminded one of the lower regions. The odor in the 
room was always foul, and in summer the heat was 
almost unbearable. There were from one hundred to 
two hundred prisoners, altogether. 

In this room were gathered white and colored, 
native and foreign born. On every visit they paid 
respectful attention to the word of God; and that 
good was done, we have no doubt. One of the 
favorite songs they sang with great fervor, was — 

"There is a fountain filled with blood, 
Drawn from Immanuel's veins; 
And sinners plunged beneath that flood, 
Lose all their guilty stains." 



OLD JAIL. 1 1 

Passing through the hall were iron cages for cer- 
tain criminals ; on each side was a dungeon, made 
perfectly dark by a folding iron door. Hearing a 
man swearing in a violent manner, I reproved him 
and reminded him of the patience of Job. He 
instantly replied, "Job never had a drunken wife." 
"But he had a wife who said, 'Curse God and die !' 
But the good man answered, 'Thou speakest as one 
of the foolish women speaketh.' " The prisoner was 
pacified and listened silently to a brief prayer, pronrb 
ising to do better. 

In the yard to the left were four rooms for women 
prisoners. In one of these was confined, for a few 
days, Margaret Garner, an escaped slave, who slew 
one of her children and attempted the life of another, 
rather than go back to slavery. Here was her mother 
and her children. The old woman always wept while 
listening to the voice of prayer and the word of God. 
Often she said, in reference to her daughter: "I'm 
sorry she did such a wicked thing. May God forgive 
her!" The whole family, after a most exciting trial, at 
which Judge JollifT pleaded most eloquently for their 
liberation, were remanded back to slavery. The 
whole city was excited by this trial. 

On her way down the Mississippi, the mother, with 
a babe in her arms, leaped into the river and was 
drowned. This terrible occurrence opened the eyes 
of the nation, and prepared many thinking people 
for the abolition of slavery. 

Several notable women prisoners occupied these 
rooms. Their besetting sin was drunkenness, and they 
would boast thus: "I never stole anything in my 



12 MAIN JAIL. 

life." "But you've been drunken." "I know that, 
but I'm no one's enemy but my own." "The Bible 
says, ' No drunkard shall inherit the kingdom of 
heaven.'" "I don't mean to die a drunkard." 
"Repent, and quit the drink, and God will bless 
you !" Strange as it may seem, a few of these 
women have repented and are spending their last 
days soberly and industriously. Known to the 
wricer, their names must not be published. 

THE MAIN JAIL, 

Where murderers, burglars, counterfeiters, and others 
held for trial, were imprisoned, was a building in the 
yard, some sixty by thirty feet, the cells in the cen- 
ter, as in our City Work-house. Many thrilling scenes 
transpired within this building. Many a wife, and 
many a mother and sister, has stood by these heavy 
iron barred doors, weeping and pleading with an 
ungodly husband or brother or son to forsake the 
way of transgression. Stout hearts were affected to 
tears, to witness the affection bestowed upon these 
unworthy transgressors. 

A pious young lady of our city, long since gone 
to her Heavenly home, requested the privilege of 
accompanying me to the Jail. It was in the month 
of June, 1853. On her bosom she wore a splendid 
full-blown red rose. As we approached the iron door 
there emerged a young man dressed in the first style — 
a suit of neatly fitting clothes, pure white linen, a 
shining silk hat, which he lifted as he made a most 
polite bow. The lady responded, handing him the 
rose, which he took with a second profound bow. 



MAIN JAIL. 13 

After some commonplace remarks we left that part 
of the Jail, and the following conversation occurred : 
Said the lady, "Who was that fine-looking young 
gentleman in the prison?" "Why, he is one of the 
greatest villains." "Is that possible?" "Yes, and 
he will probably go to the penitentiary for many 
years." "I thought he was some gentleman visiting 
the prisoners." "No, indeed; he has brought deep 
sorrow into a family, which they will never forget." 
How appearances do deceive. Men are not always 
what they seem to be. Christ has said, "Judge not 
according to appearances, but judge righteous judg- 
ment." 

Another incident occurred within these walls. Sev- 
eral young men were drinking, then rioting, then 
shooting. Three of the party, all brothers, were seized 
and incarcerated. They were splendid singers. On 
one of my visits H. Thane Miller accompanied me. 
After some words of good advice kindly given, Mr. 
Miller requested them to sing. They did so with 
marvelous skill and power. One of the songs was — 

"There is a land of pure delight, 
Where saints immortal reign," 

with the refrain, 

"Oh, heaven ! 
Sweet heaven ! 

Dear heaven of rest, 
My friends are there ! 
And I long to share 
In their eternal rest.' ' 

My brother Miller thanked them and offered up a 
fervent prayer. They blessed us both as we parted. 
We have reason to believe they turned from their 



14 MAIN JAIL. 

evil ways to live useful lives. They were sent to 
Columbus, but never in after-years did we hear of 
their violating the law again. 

About twenty men seated on a floor in a room, 
one hot summer day, listened, as I read from Isaiah 
lv. They heard attentively until the second verse, 
which reads, "Wherefore do ye spend money for 
that which is not bread, and your labor for that 
which satisfieth not ?" A quick-witted Irishman 
called out, "Because we're fools!" "I suppose that 
is true; but will you always be fools, and die fools?" 
"God forbid!" was the response of many voices. 
"Listen then to another verse: 'Seek ye the Lord 
while he may be found. Call ye upon him while he 
is near. ' " They thanked me, and listened very rever- 
ently to a prayer. Most of these were imprisoned 
for drunkenness and disorderly conduct. 

A MURDERER HUNG. 

The saddest recollection of the old Jail was the 
execution of Henry Lecount for murder. This 
occurred in November, 1852. The doomed man 
always received my visits kindly and thankfully. 
Many a time have I been locked up in his cell with- 
out a guard. He would listen to the word and kneel 
in prayer. But true, heartfelt grief for the crime he 
had committed was never seen. When near his end, 
he said, "I'd do it again if I had the chance." We 
pleaded with him to seek forgiveness, but it seemed 
all in vain. He paid the penalty of his crime. 

The other three men executed some years after for 
the murder of Mr. Hughes, in the new Jail, were of 



CO UNI Y JAIL. 15 

the same hard and impenitent turn of mind. This 
reminds us of the words of Scripture, "No murderer 
hath eternal life abiding in him." 

The old Jail has long since vanished from the earth. 
One of the old jailers still survives, 'Squire McLean. 
He and his excellent wife always did their best to 
make the visits of Christian men pleasant and profit- 
able. May God crown their declining years with his 
love and blessings, and may they, with all who have 
sought to better their fellow-men, meet in the king- 
dom of God. 

A TEMPORARY PRISON. 

An old livery stable, opposite the Police Court on 
Ninth Street, where now stands the beautiful and 
spacious Christian Church, was used for a time for 
men prisoners, and the old 

SCHOOL-HOUSE 

On Front and Parsons Streets, was used for women. 
To both these places we made regular visits, holding 
religious meetings with the prisoners. Both these 
places were abandoned when the new Jail and City 
Work-house were completed. 

COUNTY JAIL. 

Owing to the many pressing calls in other direc- 
tions, my visits to this institution ceased eighteen 
years ago. Others have followed up the work and are 
doing good among the prisoners — members of the 
Y. M. C. A. and others. Mrs. Lawrence has been 
a faithful worker there, with Bro. Thompson and 



16 CITY WORK-HOUSE. 

wife, and other Christian women. The Master has 
said, "I was sick and in prison, and ye came unto 
me " He will reward all his faithful servants "in the 
resurrection of the just. " 

CITY WORK-HOUSE. 

This splendid building, next to the House of 
Refuge, was opened in 1871. Ira Wood was its first 
and very efficient superintendent. Everything about 
the building is strong, clean and convenient ; well 
warmed in winter. Their wheat-bread and other food 
is good, and all the cells are kept perfectly clean. It 
is a sad reflection on our civilization that it is crowded 
with prisoners. Its present superintendent, Colonel 
Ziegler, "the right man in the right place," has had 
the care of seven hundred and forty prisoners. The 
County Jail, two hundred and more, making about 
one thousand at one time. This is an indication of 
an alarming increase of crime in our midst, far 
greater than is the increase in our population. The 
main causes are increasing drunkenness and the ease 
by which criminals escape punishment. Sabbath 
desecration prevails ; no Bible instruction in our 
schools, and not even that matchless code, "The Ten 
Commandments," is taught the children. Thought- 
ful men may well ask the question, "Whither are we 
tending? Are we going back to barbarism?" Let 
one stand in the Work-house Chapel and give the 
word of life to seven hundred prisoners, he will not 
fail to believe the morals of the people are declinipg, 
and crime is increasing. These Chapel services every 
Sabbath at 10^ A. m., have always been impressive, 



CITY WOBK-HQUSE. 17 

and most of the prisoners join in singing with an 
organ accompaniment. 

The arguments used for building this institution 
were, "When men are made to work hard while 
imprisoned, there will be less crime." The experi- 
ment has failed to confirm the argument. Criminals 
have multiplied sevenfold, and the population about 
fourfold. Why these things are so, we may well 
inquire. 

While Prison Reform has done much to restrain or 
remove cruel and inhuman treatment of prisoners, 
has it not had another influence — that of making the 
imprisonment so easy and pleasant, that many prison- 
ers have better quarters, and better food and clothing 
than they had when at liberty ? Let every philan- 
thropist and friend of Prison Reform read the fol- 
lowing: 

"The finest jail building in the country outside the 
great cities is in Greensburg, Penn. It resembles a 
castle on the Rhine, and is simply magnificent in its 
architecture. It cost the county of Westmoreland 
over $200,000. We have just been through the 
building, and we are surprised at its commodious 
apartments and fine accommodations for the inmates. 
We find it costs $2,200 for running expenses, which, 
with the interest on the investment, makes over 
$14,000 per annum. The average annual commit- 
ments are thirty; that is, each inmate costs the 
county about $500 a year. Here they have comfort- 
able quarters, heated by natural gas, a good bed and 
good food. They are gentlemen of leisure, and read 
vicious literature, play cards and talk crime at wilL 



18 CITY WORK-HOUSE. 

It does not strike us things are as they ought to be 
in our prison system. It does seem a portion of this 
money might be better spent in preventive measures, 
in work among prospective criminals, infinitely more 
to the advantage of the community." — Journal and 
Messenger, February 9, 1887. 

It gives me great pleasure to state that each one 
of the superintendents, Messrs. Wood, Morgan, 
Dunn and Ziegler, have welcomed those of us who 
carry the gospel to these misguided and sinful men 
and women. Mr. Ziegler has often remarked at the 
close of the Sabbath meeting, "If these prisoners 
would but take your advice, they would never re- 
turn." By God's grace we shall continue to give 
them the gospel of Christ, whether they receive or 
reject its precious truths. 

Every taxpayer is interested in the cost of such an 
institution. A few items are given which will afford 
food for reflection to every one. The extracts are 
from the annual report, ending December 31, 1886. 

The City Work-house of Cincinnati, Ohio, is situ- 
ated on Colerain Avenue, one-third of a mile east of 
Mill Creek, and within the corporate limits of the 
city. 

The buildings present a beautiful and imposing 
structure, with a frontage on the west of 510 feet in 
length, and consist of a main building, 54 feet in 
width and 54 feet in depth, and five stories in height. 
In this building are contained the offices, reception 
and ante-rooms, superintendent's and officers' dormi- 
tories. 

Officers of the City Work-house for the year end- 



CITY WORK-HOUSE. 19 

ing December 31, 1885 : Superintendent, George 
W. Ziegler; Assistant Superintendent, William L. 
Thompson ; Captain of the Guard, Philip Brooks ; 
Physician, W. E. Keily ; Matron, Miss Mary J. 
Shaffer; Directors: James O'Kane, E. P. Bradstreet, 
Henry Muhlhauser, Howard Douglass, Samuel W. 
Trost. 

Cost of maintaining prisoners, .... $39,000 
Cost of employes, 27,000 

Total, . ■ . . . . . . $66,000 

Number of prisoners committed during the year 1885 : 

White Males, 1,565 

Colored Males, 221 

White Females, . . . , . . .477 
Colored Females, 107 

Total, 2,370 

Statement of nativity of prisoners committed during the year 
1885: 

United States, 1,542 

Germany, 357 

Ireland, . . . . . . .. .388 

England, 25 

Canada, ......... 12 

Scotland, 11 

France, 6 

From ten other countries, . . . , 29 

Total, 2,370 

Earnings of prisoners, etc., ..... $20,000 
Received from taxes, ....... 38,000 

Total, $58,000 

From these figures, given in round numbers, it is 
plain the expense far outmeasures their earnings. 



20 PENITEXTIAR Y— COL UMB US. 

My visits (from twelve to twenty every year) have 
been made without expense to the institution. Rev. 
B. W. Chidlaw, Dr. Byers, and members of the Y. 
M. C. A., with others, have preached the gospel 
freely to these men. Very often are we accosted on 
the street by those who have served their time. It 
is gratifying to know that some of them repent. 

PENITENTIARY— COLUMBUS. 

During these thirty-five years only a few visits 
have been made to 'the Penitentiary ; five times in 
1870. One of these was so remarkable it will never 
be forgotten by those present. 

It was on the occasion of the annual meeting of 
the Ohio Baptist Sunday school Convention. Bro. 
H. T. Miller agreed to hold a service with the 
prisoners. Arrangements were accordingly made 
with the warden and Chaplain Byers, and all mem- 
bers of the Convention were invited. About four 
hundred of us marched within these gloomy walls. 
Over one thousand prisoners were in the Chapel. 
Mr. Miller led the meeting, and spoke in his usual 
fervent manner, holding the attention of the vast 
audience. 

After singing that expressive hymn of Charlotte 
Elliott's, 

"Just as I am ! Without one plea, 
But that thy blood was shed for me, 
And that thou bidst me come to thee, 
O Lamb of God, I come, I come ! " 

Mr. Miller called on me to speak. I did so, reading 
a letter written in that very prison, in i862,*by a 
man to his wife, who was dying of consumption in 

* See page 371. 



PENITEXTIAR Y—COL UMB US. 21 

sorest poverty, dwelling with her three small chil- 
dren in a back street near the river — a family we had 
helped and relieved. One passage in the letter was 
so tender it brought tears to the eyes of hundreds 
of men. It read thus : 

"My dear wife, will you forgive me for all the 
wrong I've done you and the grief I've caused you 
and our dear children ? I know God has forgiven 
me ; though my name is among the transgressors, I 
am saved, thanks be to God through Jesus Christ ! 
Oh, my dear wife, if you can say, 

u ' Other refuge have I none ; 

Hangs my helpless soul on thee' — 

then you w T ill be ready for the hour of death ; and 
if we never meet again on earth, we shall meet each 
other in heaven." 

The effect of reading this letter was most marvel- 
ous ; most of the prisoners wept, and members of 
the Convention were affected to tears. After a few 
words from Mr. Miller and others, Chaplain Byers 
asked: "Do any of you desire prayers that you may 
be saved, and become good men? If so, raise your 
hands." A whole forest of hands were instantly 
raised, and while an aged brother prayed like a 
father for his lost children, there was audible sob- 
bing all over the vast Chapel. 

Chaplain Byers informed us about a year after- 
ward that he had reason to believe fifty men were 
converted at that meeting. 

The author of the letter was pardoned by Gov- 
ernor Todd, and I baptized him in the Ohio River. 
His wife died, and the three children followed her. 



22 HOUSE OF REFUGE. 

He enlisted in the army and served to the end of 
the war, and some years ago went home to heaven. 

HOUSE OF REFUGE. 

This home for juvenile criminals and incorrigible 
boys and girls and lost children has been in success- 
ful operation thirty-six years. Its Directors serve 
without compensation. Among those who have 
served during all these years are R. A. Holden, H. 
T. Miller, J. Webb, Jr., David Baker, and Charles 
Thomas, who died there suddenly one Sabbath-day. 

Of late years very small children, of three, five 
and seven years old, have been committed, having 
drunken parents, or those who have been cruelly 
treated. At the last report, ending December 31, 
1886, the Refuge contained: Boys, 282; girls, 70 — 
total, 352. The Refuge the first year, 185 1, con- 
tained : Boys, 121 ; girls 41 — total, 162. More than 
double the number in thirty-six years. Cost of main- 
taining these in 1886, with salaries of officers, and 
improvements, was $52,393.27. 

Rev. Horace Bushnell, City Missionary, acted as 
Chaplain for many years. My visits, made once a 
week, continued for five years. Much good was 
done and many of the inmates were really converted, 
many of whom are filling useful and honorable posi- 
tions in society. 

Of late years these visits have been only from six 
to ten in the year, conducting the Chapel exercises. 
For order, attention, hearty singing and quickness 
in answering questions, this school is unsurpassed. 

Its first superintendent, Mr. Hubbard, was a genial, 



CI NCI XX A TI OR PH. 1 N ASYL U3L 23 

businesslike Christian man. Others who followed 
were of like character : Mr. Perry, Rickoff, H. 
M. Jones, Mr. Monfort, down to Major Oliver, the 
present efficient and faithful Superintendent. For 
some reasons the religious meetings during the week 
were discontinued. Yet they were productive of 
real and lasting good to the inmates. 

It is a necessary institution for a large city, where 
all sorts of people congregate — some of the best in 
the world and some of the vilest and most profligate. 

CINCINNATI ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

Where stands our splendid Music Hall, Art Gal- 
lery and Machinery Hall, the Orphan Asylum stood 
for many years — a neat looking three-story brick 
building, standing back from the street some one 
hundred feet, approached by a gravel walk with 
shade trees on both sides, with flowers and shrub- 
bery — a really nice place for the one hundred and sixty 
children sheltered within its walls. In the rear were 
the kitchen, laundry and other offices, and beyond, 
the playground for the children. On the north side 
was the pasturage for the two cows which supplied 
the household with pure milk. Children were taught 
by paid teachers — an excellent arrangement. Since 
the Asylum has been, removed to Mt. Auburn, the 
children have been sent to the Public School. 

From the windows of the old Asylum could be 
seen the green grass and the cows grazing. And in 
this small inclosure volunteers were drilled for the 
War in April, 1861. Many a one looked tearfully 



24 CIXCIXXATI ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

and anxiously on the evolutions of these men who 
were to be soldiers in the Union Army. 

My visits to the old Asylum were nearly every 
week, and were heartily welcomed by the managers, 
matron and teachers. The manner and method of 
these religious visits may be best understood by the 
following extract from my first annual report, Feb. 
22, 1853: 

"In this institution — which we have visited thirty- 
eight times — there are over one hundred children, 
who listen with much attention to narratives, stories 
and incidents, in all of which we endeavor to teach 
great moral truths, and to lead these children to a 
knowledge of Jesus Christ, whom to know is life 
eternal. On one occasion, after reciting the poverty, 
ignorance and irreligion in our city, a little boy 
stepped up to me, and said, 'Here is a little Testa- 
ment, will you give this to some poor person who 
has none ?' This was an orphan's gift — all he could 
bestow, like the widow's offering ; perhaps as accept- 
able to God. 

' 'Another little boy, twelve years of age, is saving 
up all his Sabbath-schoo] papers and tracts, which he 
intends to take with him when he goes as a mission- 
ary to the heathen, on which his heart seems fixed, 
and for which he daily prays. May this institution 
long continue to cheer the hearts and bless the souls 
of orphan children." 

Owing to the change made in the location, and also 
in sending the children to the Public Schools, my 
visits have been less frequent than in former years, 
limited to vacations both summer and winter. The 



CINCINNATI ORPHAN ASYLUM. ^ 

present efficient matron, Mrs. Wilson, who has faith- 
fully fulfilled her labors for many years, welcomes 
these visits, as do all the children. Their attention, 
singing and intelligent answers to questions show 
they are well instructed and well cared for. The 
health of these children has greatly improved since 
their removal to Mt. Auburn. 

Great care is taken in choosing homes for the 
orphans ; most of them are now sent to places away 
from the cities. A kind hearted farmer adopted a 
bright lad many years ago. The boy was truthful, in- 
dustrious, and very obliging. When the good man 
died he left this young man his entire estate. Out of 
gratitude to the Asylum which had sheltered him, he 
sent a ten-dollar bill to be expended on toys for the 
children, to make their Christmas happier and 
brighter. 

A business man of the city, having no children, 
adopted a small boy and girl ; both have grown to be 
estimable citizens, and are filling useful positions in 
society. A volume could easily be filled on this sub. 
ject, which might weary both the writer and reader. 

Such women as Mrs. Judge Burnet, Mrs. Bates, 
Mrs. Tilly, Mrs. J. B. Trevor, Mrs. Bullock, have 
been among the managers, and some of our best cit- 
izens, trustees. 

It is gratifying to know the Asylum has a perma- 
nent income of $7,000 a year, chiefly from the sale 
of its property on Elm Street. All citizens may rest 
assured that the physical, intellectual and spiritual 
needs of these children are well cared for. The hour 
spent with these orphans has ever been among the 



26 GERM A X ORPHAN ASYL VM. 

brightest of our varied labors. Thousands of chil- 
dren have been blessed by being inmates. May 
thousands yet to come enjoy its blessed influence. 

THE GERMAN ORPHAN ASYLUM, 

Situated on the highest ground on Mt. Auburn, com- 
mands most extensive and picturesque views. On 
the north can be seen the beautiful suburb of Glen- 
dale, twelve miles in the distance, and the hills 
beyond. A little to the northeast can be discerned 
Sharpsburg, Pleasant Ridge and other suburbs, while 
on the west lie Price's Hill and Cheviot and the hills 
beyond. On the south the hills of Kentucky appear, 
unless hidden by the smoke of our busy city. 
Nearly the whole of Mt. Auburn can be seen from 
this eminence. 

By the enterprise and benevolence of some of our 
German citizens this site, containing some eight 
acres, was purchased. Part of this is an orchard, 
another large tract, a vegetable garden ; a third 
division is used for a playground. About one hun- 
dred or one hundred and twenty children of German 
parentage are here sheltered and instructed. The 
children are taught habits of industry and econ- 
omy. During vacations, in summer, the girls are 
busy knitting socks and stockings for the winter. It 
is a common sight to witness forty of the girls and a 
few of the boys plying their needles while the mis- 
sionary is teaching them the knowledge of Bible truths 
or singing them some gospel song. Their aptitude in 
learning is equal to the English-speaking children. 
The hymn, 



COLORED ORPHAN ASYLUM. 27 

" Oh, do not let the Word depart, 

Nor close thine eyes against the light ; 
Poor sinner, harden not thy heart ! 

Thou wouldst be saved — Why not to-night?" 

was learned and sung in five minutes. It became a 
great favorite with the children ; and of singing, "In 
some way or other the Lord will provide," they 
never seem weary. My visits to this Asylum have 
been continued for some twenty-five years. None of 
the children relish these song services and Bible in- 
structions more than do the German children. God 
bless them all ! 

The present superintendent and matron are well 
adapted to their positions, which they have held 
many years. They always welcome these visits. 
During the past two years some $52,000 have been 
expended in enlargements and additions. 

Men and women now in the busy walks of life 
have often accosted me on the street and reminded 
me of the happy meetings in the Asylum. A young 
lady informed me of the happy marriage and Chris- 
tian life of two of her sisters, with one of whom she 
has found a pleasant home. All were once inmates 
cf the German Orphan Asylum. 

The Asylum is maintained chiefly by the offerings 
of the people twice a year. 

THE COLORED ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

Thirty five years ago a very modest, odd-looking 
brick building on Ninth Street, near Elm, contained 
about twenty-five children, quite small, none of 
whom could read the Bible. My visits here began 
in 1850 on the Sabbath afternoons. Very soon they 



28 COLORED ORPHAN ASYLUM. 

learned to sing, and could repeat hymns and texts of 
Scripture. One very peculiar-looking girl, smart 
and witty, gained the name of "Topsy." The fol- 
lowing brief account is worth pondering : 

1 'Julia, sometimes called 'Topsy', had been a child 
of neglect and ignorance. When first admitted here, 
the matron said, 'Here is a new scholar for you, 
but it is doubtful whether you will make much out 
of her.' After a time she joined in singing all their 
favorite hymns, and came regularly to our Sabbath- 
school. She was taken sick of consumption, and 
died. 

"A week before her death she desired once more 
to hear the children sing, and was carried down- 
stairs, wrapped in a warm blanket, and seated 
by the fire. She watched with interest our 
proceedings, and was carried up again to bed. The 
following Saturday she sent word for me to come 
up and pray with her. She said, T want to die — 
don't want to get well any more.' 'Why, Julia?' 
T want to go with Jesus and live in heaven — I'm not 
afraid to die — you must pray for me that I may die 
and go home to Jesus.' I then called in eight of the 
children, who stood around the bed of the dying 
child, and sang by her request : 

" 'Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, 
Look upon a little child ; 
Pity my simplicity, 
Suffer me to come to thee ! ' etc. 

"She then desired us to sing 'Come to Jesus.' 

We did so, and then kneeled around her bed and 

commended the little sufferer to Christ. On look- 



CHILDREN'S HOME. 29 

ing at the children she said, 'I love all the children, 
and want them all to come to heaven, where I am 
going.' She died next day, a most happy death, 
astonishing all who knew her. None of us knew she 
thought so much of the world to come. 'Many that 
are last shall be first.' " 

Soon after the War the trustees of the Asylum pur- 
chased the building at Avondale, built to shelter the 
colored people made homeless by the War. Some- 
how they gained the name of ' 'contrabands. " This 
building, though larger than the quarters on Ninth 
Street, is not large enough for its purpose. About 
sixty children are here sheltered and clothed, and 
sent to the Public School on Walnut Hills. There 
ought to be a new and commodious building erected. 
It is hoped some one of our wealthy citizens will 
perform this service, and, like Reuben Springer, C. 
W. West and Henry Probasco, be his own executor. 
It is certainly needed. The grounds are spacious, 
containing about ten acres. 

Owing to the great distance from the city, my 
visits have been but few and irregular ; but they are 
always appreciated by the children. 

THE CHILDREN'S HOME, 

Founded by the benevolence of Murray Shipley and 
other philanthropic citizens, began its career in a 
very humble dwelling on Front Street near Plumf 
Only a few children were gathered within its walls 
thirty years ago. New buildings were erected on 
Park Street, near the Gas Works. Teachers were 
employed, and the children were given religious as 

•"First called the "Children's Aid Society. 



30 CHILDREN'S HOME. 

well as secular instruction. After some time it was 
decided by the trustees to remove, and for a few years 
the building on Third Street near Elm was occupied, 
until the new, elegant and spacious building was 
erected on Ninth Street. We made weekly visits 
when the Home was on Third Street, under the care 
of Mr. Haydock, on Saturday mornings. 

The motto over the entrance to the Home is well 
chosen — "In Christ's Stead." Lost children, chil- 
dren of drunken parents, orphan children and starv- 
ing little ones here find "food, shelter and pity." 
The good done by this and kindred institutions is 
measureless. Those who contribute to the mainte- 
nance of and those who watch over and instruct these 
poor, neglected children, have a sweet consciousness 
of doing something to better humanity. And the 
Master has said, "They can not recompense thee, 
but thou shalt be recompensed in the resurrection of 
the just." 

The institution is in excellent hands. Children 
who are sent away are looked after by Mr. Green. 
Mr. Shipley and Mr. J. L. Stettinius, with others, 
are ever watchful over the institution, which depends 
for its support on the voluntary offerings of the 
people. 

When the Home was on Park Street, in a large hall 
of the third story was held a mission Sabbath-school, 
where gathered some three hundred children, includ- 
ing the Home children. Much good was done here. 
Every Sabbath evening a meeting was held for parents 
and children. It was my privilege to attend this 
service frequently, and address the meeting. Rev. 



COMMERCIAL HOSPITAL. 31 

Jolm Rusk, Rev. S. Sharpless and Rev. Albert Sharp- 
less, all successful ministers in the Presbyterian 
Church, were among the active workers in these early 
days, twentv years ago. 

COMMERCIAL HOSPITAL, NOW CINCINNATI HOSPITAL. 

Where now stands our beautiful and commodious 
City Hospital, was formerly erected the Commercial 
Hospital, a three-story brick edifice, standing back 
from the street some sixty feet. Erected in 1821, 
when the city was small, it was quite large enough 
at that time, but with the increase of population it 
became too strait for the people seeking admis- 
sion. Here were gathered, besides the sick, to 
crowd its insufficient accommodations, the poor, the 
blind, the lame and aged, and the insane. There 
was no Infirmary or Lunatic Asylum in the county. 
It was pitiable to behold lunatics chained to the floor, 
while their cries and groans were terrible to hear. 
Nor was this all ; the smallpox patients were quartered 
in a building fronting Central Avenue, then called 
Western Row. At times when the smallpox cases 
multiplied, a basement room, some twenty-six feet 
square, was used, near the entrance on Twelfth 
Street. In this room, at one time, were twelve men, 
all suffering from this terrible disease. I was requested 
by friends of a young man to visit and pray with 
him. The sight and stench of the room were terri- 
ble. Some of the precious words of Scripture were 
repeated, and listened to with marked attention 
Many shed tears. We sang — 

"There is a fountain filled with blood, 
Drawn from Iramanuel's veins." etc. 



32 COMMERCIAL HOSPITAL. 

They joined in the song. A brief prayer was offered, 
and the poor fellows uttered their thanks. The 
young man died, and four of the others. This scene 
will never be forgotten. The other day I met a man 
who was one of the twelve. 

In the yard back of the old Hospital was stored an 
immense pile of wood for use in the building and for 
distribution among the poor, of the city. Cords of 
wood were used for fuel instead of as now — loads of 
coal. Corn-meal, pickled pork and beans were also 
distributed in winter among the poor. 

In the rear of the old Hospital was a garden, 
in which carrots, beets, onions', cabbage and other 
vegetables were raised. In the yard was a building 
used as a wash-house and kitchen. A notable 
woman, a German, worked in this wash-house for 
over twenty years ; a small, wiry woman, who never 
seemed tired, and never happier than when cleansing 
the linen and preparing it for use. Nothing could 
induce her to leave the Hospital. She became part of 
the institution until it was demolished in 1867, when 
old age and other disabilities led her to seek refuge 
in the Infirmary. 

Absalom Death was superintendent in 1852; a 
large, portly man, of very decided convictions. Many 
bottles of whisky did he take from the baskets of 
visitors and dash to the ground, as they sought to 
smuggle them in to the patients. The wife of the 
superintendent was a pious woman, a member of the 
First Baptist Church, who always aided me in visiting 
the sick. 

The old building became so infected with vermin, 



COMMERCIAL HOSPITAL. 33 

it was the decided opinion of our best citizens that it 
must be demolished. After the poor were removed 
to the City Infirmary in 1852, and the lunatics to a 
temporary asylum near Fairmount, the old building 
was still too small. A serene satisfaction was ex- 
pressed by our citizens at its demolition. The very 
bricks of the old building were sold, as not fit to 
be used in constructing the new Cincinnati Hospital. 

It has been said that " first impressions are truest 
and strongest," so the reader shall have these first 
impressions made on the mind of the writer from his 
daily journal : 

Monday, February 23, 1852. Visited the Hospital. 
Most of the men are from Ireland ; several from Ger- 
many, and comparatively few from the States. The 
Catholic priest visits daily and spends four or five 
hours there. Nearly all seemed willing to receive 
counsel and instruction. By far the greater number 
of Irish could not read. I read the Scriptures to most 
of them. One poor fellow whispered in my ear, "Are 
you a Catholic priest? I want to confess. " "No, my 
friend, but I can tell you of one to whom you may 
confess and find mercy — Jesus Christ." He listened 
with great attention to the saving truths of the gos- 
pel. The Lord open his eyes to behold the truth as 
it is in Jesus. Another of the same class said, " I 
don't want to hear the Bible, I'm a Catholic." "Did 
you ever hear the Psalms of David?" "Never." On 
this I repeated the 23d Psalm, "The Lord is my 
shepherd, I shall not want," etc. This greatly ex- 
cited his curiosity. He appeared to think his faith 
in Catholicism would be shaken. To all who could 



34 COMMERCIAL HOSPITAL. 

read I gave tracts. Among them were a few 
undoubted Christians, whose hungering and thirsting 
for righteousness might be seen in their conversation 
and attention. 

One man, a Methodist, wept freely whilst Christ 
and his salvation were set before him. Some of the 
Germans, I fear, are infidels; careless of death and 
eternity, they listened to the word with indifference. 

In a small room were ten men afflicted with rheu- 
matism and other diseases. They all seemed glad of 
the privilege of hearing God's word. There was 
great silence while I prayed with them. All ex- 
pressed thanks. The Lord bless his word. 

February 25, 1852. In the upper story of the 
female department were six aged women who listened 
to the word of God with gladness. After prayer and 
conversation they asked me to come again. So I 
will if the Lord permits. (Some months afterward 
these women were sent to the City Infirmary, which 
was then just completed.) 

Visited two of the male wards, read the Scriptures 
and prayed. One man, whose father and mother 
were Methodists, solemnly vowed, if the Lord should 
spare his life, he would devote that life to Christ. 
He heartily responded while I prayed. May grace 
enable him to keep his holy resolve. 

February 27th. Met Bro. Bushnell, City Mis- 
sionary, who desired me to preach for him the first 
Sabbath every month in the Hospital. I agreed. Met 
my esteemed pastor, Dr. E. G. Robinson (now Presi- 
dent of Brown University). He cordially approved 
the course I had taken and intended to pursue. He 



COMMERCIAL HOSPITAL. 35 

wished me God speed. Spent half an hour with 
Dr. Fore's aged father. 

March 1st. Hospital. Female Wards. The ma- 
jority of the sick women were Catholics, and reluctant 
to hear the Scriptures or hold religious conversation. 
Elizabeth J., of North Carolina, appears fast sinking 
to death ; is weaker than when I last saw her, and 
said nearly all the women made game of her because 
of her religion. She desired me to pray the Lord to 
forgive her sins and prepare her for death. Tears 
fell fast as she made this request. 

This poor, suffering girl died March 4, 1852. I 
would fain hope she has gone to be with Christ, 
which is far better. She bore the scoffings of un- 
godly women patiently, and often expressed heartfelt 
gratitude for my instructions. She died a stranger 
in a strange land, and sleeps in an unmarked grave 
until the resurrection of the dead. 

Several young men were visited at this time. 
Some had erred through strong drink ; had spent 
their money and time in riotous living. They had 
forgotten a mother's prayers and a father's instruc- 
tions. They were right glad to receive tracts and 
Testaments, and several promised to amend their 
ways and turn to the Lord. The following cases are 
both interesting and instructive : 

Henry S. , of Mobile, a young man whose parents 
are Presbyterians, was sick and nigh unto death 
many days ; at times his reason failed, but it re- 
turned with returning health. Of all the patients we 
have visited, he seemed the most distressed about 
his soul. Many days and nights he did little but cry 



36 COMMERCIAL HOSPITAL. 

for mercy, and beseech God to spare his life that he 
might repent. Frequently he grasped our hand like 
a drowning man, saying: "I want you to pray for 
me all the time — all the time. Oh, pray for mercy, 
and that God would spare my life a little longer." 
Rev. S. Wilson visited him a few times, comforting 
his soul by directing him to Christ as the only Sav- 
ior. God was pleased to hear prayer, and spare this 
young man, who, on his recovery, left for home, 
returning many thanks for all our efforts to comfort 
his heart and lead him to the Savior, resolving to 
serve him alone the rest of his days. 

Henry M., a youth of sixteen, from Indiana, lay 
here some weeks with a fractured limb. He listened 
with deep interest to the words of Christ which he 
had learned in the Sabbath-school. The parable of 
the prodigal son affected him to tears — it reminded 
him of his ingratitude to his parents. There did ap- 
pear in him true penitence. Whilst sick he read 
"James' Anxious Enquirer," which he said was the 
best book he had ever read next to the Bible. We 
advised him to return home and learn a trade, which 
he promised to do. 

J. J., an iron molder, formerly a member of a 
Methodist church, appeared deeply grieved and 
ashamed of his transgressions. Said he: "Of my 
backsliding I can not think without shame and con- 
fusion. My mercies I've abused, and I often wonder 
God has not cut me off in my sins." To him the 
promises of God seemed like "cold water to a thirsty 
soul, and good news from a far country." Prayer 
was heard on his behalf; he was restored, and on 



COMMERCIAL HOSPITAL. 37 

taking leave of him, he avowed his determination to 
return to that fold from whence he had wandeted. 

It would be an easy task to add to these a number 
of others to whom our humble labors have, we hope, 
been blessed. Some have fallen asleep in Jesus ; 
others are in the land of the living. One other must 
suffice. 

James H., a young - man from England, who had 
diseased lungs, lay here sick many weeks. He ap- 
peared to be an humble, sincere Christian. Some 
few years ago he joined a sect in his native land, 
called the Plymouth Brethren, and, from all we could 
learn at the boarding-house, he had honored the 
Christian name. Oh, it was a pleasure to sit by his 
bed and witness the calm and holy tranquillity which 
beamed from his pallid countenance. He frequently 
said : "I am willing to live or die ; whichever is the 
will of God. But oh, I would like again to see my 
dear mother ! I am a stranger in a strange land. 
My disease, I know, will end my life. How I would 
like to die at home — would love my mother to 
smooth my dying pillow. How I wish you would 
write to her and send word about my affliction." I 
did so, and his mother sent him fifty dollars to re- 
turn home. Deep emotion filled his soul as he bade 
me good-by. 

Three years later occurred the following instances : 
An Indian woman who was sick for many months, 
though unable to read, yet understood the gospel, 
and was a partaker of its blessings. Poor Hetty, 
though a great sufferer, often said: 'Tve no right to 
complain. Our blessed Savior suffered much more 



38 COMMERCIAL HOSPITAL. 

than we ever can, and when I think of that, it eases 
my mind." Is not this a brand plucked from the 
burning ? One day in the summer, after asking 
whether she was tired of hearing the word, she ex- 
claimed: "Bless your soul, no! I'd like to hear it 
all day. Tired ! no, indeed. How shall we do when 
we get to heaven, always serving God?" The 
Indian and Negro, as well as the Anglo-Saxon, are 
sanctified and redeemed by the mighty power of the 
gospel of Christ. 

George J., a young Scotchman, endured his suffer- 
ings with remarkable fortitude, and died rejoicing in 
the all atoning sacrifice of Christ. To him the word 
of truth was very precious. He expressed thanks 
for these visitations. After his death many of the 
sick men said, "If there is anybody gone to heaven, 
we believe poor George has. " 

Wm. J. was seated on a bed one day, perusing 
the Sacred Volume. I said to him, "You are study- 
ing the best book in the world." He replied, "Yes, 
sir, this is the chart by which if we navigate the sea 
of life, we shall do right." "Where did you first 
find Christ?" "In England, near Manchester." 
"Who was the means of leading you to Christ ? " 
"John Jones, the superintendent of the Sabbath- 
school, a man who loved the children's souls, by 
whom I was first led to seek true religion." He re- 
peated four stanzas of that beautiful hymn of Mont- 
gomery's — 

u Prayer is the soul's sincere desire, 
Unuttered or expressed," etc. 



COMMERCIAL HOSPITAL. 39 

"Did you learn that in Sabbath-school ? " "No, in 
an empty house. It was stuck on the wall, and I 
wouldn't leave it till I'd learnt it." This man was 
frequently assailed by Catholics, but he knew the 
use of the sword of the Spirit. He is now well, 
and a useful member of a church. 

Thomas E., of Wales, left home while young-, 
and became the companion of the foolish and vile. 
After running a course of impiety, when sick and 
nigh to death, at Buffalo, his sins alarmed him; 
he trembled at the thought of standing before a 
just God, and promised, if God would spare him, he 
would devote his life to his service. He was restored, 
and soon after he joined a small Welsh church, -but, 
overcome by temptation, relapsed into the depths of 
wickedness, and, to use his own words, "I was more 
wicked than ever." His constitution was entirely 
ruined, and after suffering many weeks of excru- 
ciating pain, he died without a ray of hope. His 
light went out in deep darkness. He often said: 
"Too late ! too late ! I have crucified Christ afresh ! 
There is no hope for me!" Thus he died, leaving 
a terrible warning to those who forsake God. 

Mercy sought and found. — Said an afflicted woman, 
"I've determined, if I am lost, to perish praying." 
I assured her none ever perished seeking for mercy. 
Several weeks passed away in anxious suspense, 
when, blessed be God, he answered her prayers and 
granted his salvation. How changed her language 
and spirit! She exclaimed : "God has indeed been 
very merciful to me. I shall never be able to praise 
him enough. I know I love Christ. I feel entirely 



40 COMMERCIAL HOSPITAL. 

resigned to his will." Who can help glorifying God 
for his mercy? 

To many others, whose cases might be specified, 
the word of God has proved ' 'the balm of Gilead, 
and the bread of life," while, alas! some have 
spurned it, and refused to be guided by its blessed 
light. The steward of the Hospital and his excellent 
wife have received our visits kindly. 

Among the thousands of patients admitted into 
the Hospital during thirty-five years, it is difficult to 
select those which most interest the reader. Each 
life is distinct, and every one different from another. 
But as a general rule, those whose early training has 
been "in the way they should go," have minds more 
easily impressed with gospel truths, than those whose 
whole lives have been estranged from God. 

Many bring on their sickness by drinking and dis- 
sipation, others by mingling in the dance, or the 
theater, thus '-turning the night into day." They 
sow the seeds of consumption and death. Does not 
the Bible say, "I said of laughter, it is mad; and of 
mirth, What doeth it?" What doeth it for the body? 
It enfeebles it, brings it to an early grave. What for 
the mind? Blunts conscience, calls light darkness, 
and darkness light. What for the soul? Let God 
speak, and not man. "The soul that sinneth, it shall 
die !" "The wages of sin is death ; but the gift of God 
is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." ' 'There 
is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the 
end thereof are the ways of death." Twice has God 
caused this latter truth to be written in his Word. 
But again three times is this written in his Book, 



COMMERCIAL HOSPITAL. 41 

"Whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall 
be saved" (Joel ii.; Acts ii. and Romans x. ). 

There is a large class of laborers and domestic 
servants who, having no relatives near to assist, 
spend all they earn, and lay by nothing for a rainy 
day. When sickness overtakes them, whether through 
overwork 01 accident, or from any unaccountable 
cause, the Hospital to them is a real blessing. The 
physicians in attendance take great pleasure in min- 
istering to such. So does the missionary. All ages, 
from the newly born infant to the man and woman 
of eighty and ninety years, here find a hearty welcome 
and kind treatment "without money and without 
price." 

Excellent men had charge of the old Hospi- 
tal after Absalom Death— Mr. Sowers, Mr. Arthur 
Hill, Dr. Menzies, Mr. Lyle and Col. Abijah Wat- 
son. The latter, with some of the others, has gone 
the way of all the earth. Every one of these gentle- 
men always received my visits courteously. Mr. 
Hill and Col. Watson were each, in after-years, 
appointed superintendent of the City Infirmary. 
Frequent changes in the management of the Hospi- 
tal were found to be a sore evil, and so the directors 
are appointed instead of being elected by the people. 
The Governor of the State appoints one director, 
the Mayor of the city is another ex-officio, the oldest 
member of the Infirmary Board another, and the 
other four are chosen by Judges of the Superior 
Court. 

This plan works admirably and should be extended 
to all public institutions under the city government. 



42 CIXC1SXA LI HOSPITAL. 

Frequent changes in the management tend to cor- 
ruption and demoralization. Politicians have got 
hold of that strange and potent aphorism, "To the 
victors belong the spoils, " and either ignore ox for- 
get the fact that many of the victors obtain victory 
either by drinking, treating and bribing, or by threaten- 
ing or promising favors to voters. Are these things 
right ? Are they worthy of a great and free people ? 
Surely not. 

The voice of reason and common sense is, "Put 
the best, the truest, most faithful and trustworthy 
men on guard." May God hasten the day when this 
shall be done in all departments of our city offices. 
Happily for him, the city missionary is beyond the 
reach of artful politicians. 

The old Commercial Hospital was found to be 
quite too small for the vast increase of the city, and 
so was vacated after being used forty-six years. It 
was demolished in 1867. The new and beautiful 

CINCINNATI HOSPITAL 

Was opened in January, 1869, with appropriate cere- 
monies. Mr. H. M. Jones was appointed superin- 
tendent Over twenty years of faithful service as 
superintendent is one of the best proofs which can 
be given of the administrative ability of Mr. Jones, 
and also of Mr. McLean, who has been his assistant 
all these years. Of the fitness of Mr. Brannon, Doc- 
tors Wright, Judkins, Mussey and others, nothing 
need be said, their work speaks for them. 

During the erection of the new building, St. John's 
Hospital was used for men, and the old Orphan 



CINCINNATI HOSPITAL, 43 

Asylum, where Music Hall now stands, for women. 
Both were regularly visited by the missionary. 

A REMARKABLE WOMAN. 

One of the devoted women who followed the army 

and waited on the sick and wounded soldiers, was 

Mrs. Fogg, who often went to the front where there 

was real danger, to serve and minister to the soldiers. 

After the close of the war in 1865, she met with an 

accident by a sudden fall ; for many months she lay 

helpless and in great suffering. Her delight seemed 

to be in reviewing hospital scenes connected with the 

war. The Christian hope ever sustained her; gladly 

she received my visits once a week, and always 

requested to hear sung her favorite hymn — 

< Jesus, lover of my soul, 
Let me to thy bosom fly." 

After many months of suffering she was able to leave 
for her. home. 

CHOLERA VISITATION. 

The last time our city was visited with this dire 
calamity in 1866, its devastations were not nearly so 
great as in 1849, wnen six thousand were hurried to 
an untimely end. The disease appeared in a milder 
form and was not so widespread. The sanitary im- 
provements tended much to prevent the growth of the 
disease. But among those who fell victims were two 
excellent ministers. Rev. W. H. Harrison, of the 
English Lutheran Church, was a man much beloved, 
always going about doing good ; a member of the 
School Board, a friend of the children, and a faithful 
pastor. His death was sudden. Rev. Mr. Newman, 



44 CINCINNATI HOSPITAL. 

pastor of the Union Baptist Church, died of the 
same disease August i, 1866. The Hospital con- 
tained many victims during the continuance of the 
pestilence. The cholera ward for men often con- 
tained twelve and sixteen patients. By the diligent 
attention of the physicians and good nursing, with 
the blessing of God, many recovered. Many a time 
have I rubbed the limbs of these suffering men. One 
young man from Newark, Ohio, who had served in 
the army, was writhing in agony ; after rubbing him 
awhile, the cramps subsided, when he exclaimed, 
' 'God bless you for this, that rubbing has done me 
more good than anything." After some words of 
Christian counsel and prayer, he again thanked me. 
He recovered and returned home, and wrote a letter 
expressing his thanks for my services. 

During the erection of the new Hospital, the women 
and children were placed in the old Asylum building 
on Elm Street. That was known as 

THE ELM STREET DIVISION OF HOSPITAL. 

Over this department was i\Jrs. Agnes Rose, a most 
excellent matron, who continued her arduous labors 
for over twelve years. Her kind attentions and 
Christian spirit won the esteem of patients and 
physicians, and also of those who ministered to their 
spiritual necessities. Many a distressed heart she 
soothed, and often directed my attention to such for 
Christian consolation. 

A POOR, GRATEFUL WOMAN. 

Many of the inmates could not read. On one of 



CINCINNATI HOSPITAL. 45 

these visits we were quietly singing to a group of 
women, the well known song, 

"Tell me the old, old story," etc. 
On reading the verse, 

"Remember I'm the sinner, 
Whom Jesus came to save," 

the woman burst into tears, saying: "God bless your 
soul! How true that is! May the Lord have mercy 
upon us and save us all!" Others in the group wept 
We commended them all to that Jesus who "came 
to seek and to save that which was lost." 

Patients, nurses, physicians and missionaries were. 
all glad when the new Hospital was ready for occu- 
pancy. The two years seemed a long time for its 
completion. The discomforts of both St. John's 
and Elm Street were cheerfully borne by all classes. 
We thanked God and rejoiced to enter the new 
building, which occurred in January, 1869. The 
dates and names of the trustees are inscribed on two 
marble tablets in the entry of the Hospital. 

AN INTERESTING INCIDENT. 

About twenty years ago, whilst passing through 
the women's ward, I noticed a very sorrowful-look- 
ing woman just recovering from typhoid fever — a 
stranger in the city, a hard-working domestic. 
Listening attentively to a few words of Scripture, 
she said: "I am not a Christian; I wish I was. I 
know I have not lived as God would have me. Pray 
for me ! " I did so, and continued these visits until 
she left. Often she expressed her gratitude for in- 
structions and prayer. After some years she met 



46 CINCINNATI HOSPITAL. 

me, and said: "I bless God and shall always bless 
him for the good you did me when I was sick in 
the Hospital. I joined the Baptist Church, and 
have a kind, good husband. I bless God for all his 
mercies to me." For several years she has been an 
earnest worker in the church, and her husband also. 
No one can measure the good of one such life. We 
sow- the seed in hope, and the promise is, "In due 
season ye shall reap if ye faint not." God help us 
to be faithful J 

A SAD DEATH. 

A few years later, there died one of the most un- 
godly among women. Carrie M. I first met in the 
House of Refuge, then in the Jail, then in the Hos- 
pital, when a limb was amputated, then in the City 
Work-house, then in the City Infirmary, and last of 
all in the Hospital, where she died. Strong drink, a 
high temper and great determination made her a 
terror to others. On her death bed she often said: 
"The years spent in the Refuge were the happiest 
of all my life. Oh, if I had but followed your ad- 
vice, how happy I might have been!" She read 
with interest many times before dying, the fourth 
chapter of Hebrews, and yearned and prayed for the 
"rest for the people of God." 

PAY DEPARTMENT. 

One very important improvement in our new Hos- 
pital is the Pay Department for both men and women. 
Here at a moderate cost persons may have a quiet 
room with all the privacy and pleasantness of 
home, with competent nurses and physicians. Only 



CINCINNATI HOSPITAL. 47 

those requesting the missionaries' ministrations are 

visited. 

a school-teacher's death. 

For many months Miss C, a very estimable lady, 
who had been a school teacher most of her life, lin- 
gered in one of these pleasant rooms. Her disease, 
rheumatism, was very painful. She bore it with 
Christian fortitude, sustained by divine grace to the 
end. My visits were fully appreciated ; to the read- 
ing of the Scriptures and prayer she ever lent a 
willing ear. Her conversation often turned on the 
religious training of the young. The lack of this 
was the real cause of so much ungodliness among 
the people. She often emphasized Dr. Watts' words: 

*' 'Twill save us from a thousand snares, 
To mind religion young ; 
Grace will preserve our following years, 
And make our virtues strong." 

The songs of praise she always enjoyed, and 
looked forward to the ending of life with calm resig- 
nation and sweet anticipation. She was the only 
woman among thousands I have visited in sickness, 
who repeated that wonderful hymn of Cowper's : 

"To Jesus, the crown of my hope, 
My soul is in haste to be gone ; 
Oh, bear me, ye cherubim, up, 
And waft me away to his throne." 

By her request we often sang this precious hymn. 
She calmly yielded up her spirit to Christ Jesus. 

Dr. Langdon, former superintendent of Longview, 
died here, in one of the quiet rooms. His brother, 
S. Langdon, since deceased, requested my visit and 



48 CiyCIXNATI HOSPITAL. 

prayers. At the time he was past recognizing his 
nearest friends and soon passed away. Many others 
treated here have recovered. 

DIED IN DESPAIR. 

Many years ago a man died in deep despair. Ev- 
erything which was said to give him comfort was of 
no avail. His reply invariably was, "It's too late 
now." Born in the vicinity of Belfast, Ireland, he 
had religious training, and seemed well acquainted 
with the Scriptures ; but he forsook the guide of his 
youth. He came to the United States, and obtained 
employment on a river steamboat. There he forgot 
God, and learned all the evil habits of the worst class 
of boatmen — drinking, gambling, swearing and other 
vices. He continued in this course for eleven years. 
Sickness and poverty overtook him. He was glad 
to seek refuge in the Hospital, having no earthly 
friends. His sinful life came all before him. Then 
he remembered the days of childhood, and thought 
on what might have been, had he chosen the way of 
righteousness. Reading the twenty fifth chapter of 
Matthew, he spoke suddenly, saying, "The door 
was shut, and it was never opened again ! " "But 
God is a merciful being and does not desire the 
death of the wicked." "But there is no mercy for 
me ! I've sinned away the day of grace ! I've cru- 
cified the Son of God afresh and put him to an open 
shame ! " These and similar words were spoken with 
a terrible earnestness I can never forget. I asked 
him, "Shall I pray for you ? " "It will do no good. 
It's too late; but pray if you like." Often, with 



CINCINNATI 11061' HAL. 4l> 

others, I prayed for this despairing man, but it 
seemed in vain. The door of mercy seemed closed 
against him. After much suffering for many months 
he died without hope or mercy. 

What a warning to trangressors ! God's word de- 
clares, l 'Better for them not to have known the way 
of righteousness than to turn from the commandment 
of the Lord." And, again, it says, "For it is impos- 
sible for those who were once enlightened and have 
tasted of the heavenly gift and were made partakers 
of the Holy Ghost, if they shall fall away, to renew 
them again unto repentance ; seeing they crucify to 
themselves the Son of God afresh and put him to an 
open shame." The foregoing is a fearful illustration 
of these truths. Yet still we remind transgressors 
of the mercy of God to the guiltiest, and of the 
poet's words : 

"And while the lamp holds out to burn, 
The vilest sinner may return." 

A PEACEFUL DEATH. 

It is pleasant to turn from the foregoing sketch to 
one just the opposite. A widow, past the middle of 
life, having no earthly friends, was overtaken by 
consumption. After exhausting her scanty earn- 
ings and becoming worse, she was admitted to the 
Hospital, where, after months of suffering, she fell 
asleep in Jesus. Her affliction was borne with won- 
derful patience and resignation to the will of God. 
Shortly before her death she gave me this account 
of her conversion. "My husband and I were liv- 
ing in a tenement-house in the lower part of the 



50 CINCINNATI HOSPITAL. 

city. One Sabbath evening we heard singing in an 
adjoining room. It sounded so beautiful we went to 
the door and asked if we might come in. They said: 
'Certainly.' We asked them to sing again that beau- 
tiful hymn ; it was this : 

" 'My latest sun is sinking fast ; 
My race is nearly run ; 
My strongest trials now are past ; 
My triumph is begun.' 

With the refrain, 

" Oh, come, angel band! 

Come and around me stand !' 

"We were both affected to tears, and thought on 
our sinful lives, and determined to seek the Lord 
with all our hearts. These friends invited us to the 
Bethel, where Rev. Thomas Lee was pastor. We 
united with that church, and have enjoyed God's 
blessing ever since. My husband died a few years 
ago in the faith of Christ, and I expect soon to meet 
him among the redeemed in heaven." 

After a few more days of suffering this dear friend 
died in peace. She could truly say, ''There's not a 
cloud between me and Jesus." Truly, God is no 
respecter of persons. The poor are as welcome to 
the gospel feast as the rich. And though poor in 
this world, they are rich in faith, heirs of the king- 
dom of heaven. Who can measure the value of 
such a life, or of such a death ? For such lives and 
deaths do influence those about them. It is not un- 
usual to hear the expression, "If I had that woman's 
religion, then I could die." "If any one has gone 
to heaven, that woman has." ''Blessed are the dead 



CINCINNATI HOSPITAL. 5 1 

who die in the Lord : Yea, saith the Spirit, that they 
may rest from their labors ; and their works do fol- 
low them." 

THE FLOWER MISSION 

Has rendered good service to the sick every sum- 
mer, by supplying fragrant and beautiful flowers to 
the eighteen wards of the Hospital. Strong men, 
unused to these mute messengers, will gaze upon 
them with delight, and are refreshed by their per- 
fume. Children and women are loud in their ex- 
clamations of delight on receiving the beautiful, fra- 
grant gift. 

A DYING WOMAN, 

111 with consumption, lay one day feasting her eyes 
upon a glass full of bright flowers, her hand beneath 
her head. It seemed she had lain in that position 
a long time. I ventured to ask : "Of what were you 
thinking?" With a heavenly smile she answered: 
"I was thinking of Dr. Watts' words — 

" 'There everlasting spring abides, 
And never-withering flowers ; 
Death, like a narrow sea, divides 
This heavenly land from ours.' " 

"And you will soon be in that land." "It will 
not be long. I count the days and hours." Her 
hope was built on the sure foundation. My next 
visit found her weaker, but very happy in the Lord. 
The next visit the bed was empty ; she was gone to 
join the spirits of the just made perfect. 

Some men there are who despise flowers ; for them 
there is neither fragrance nor beauty. They who 
visit the sick know full well their potency and in- 



52 CINCINNATI HOSPITAL. 

fiuence. A gentleman walking the street with his 
hand full of bright flowers, was followed by half a 
dozen poor children, crying out : "Gimme a flower ! 
Please gimme a flower!" He could only pacify 
them by parting with the last one. This suggested 
to the gentleman the origin of the Flower Mission. 
Go on, ye gatherers of these delightful things 
which God has given to brighten this dark world and 
cheer the children of men ! Send your flowers to the 
bedside of the sick ! Give bountifully to our hos- 
pitals and the poor ! The sick and the dying will 
bless you. "They can not recompense thee; but 
thou shalt be recompensed in the resurrection -of the 
just." 

SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 

A Christian Woman's Death. — Many years ago, 
while walking through the female surgical ward, my 
attention was attracted to a very quiet, motherly- 
looking woman, reading her Bible, which is some- 
thing very cheering to witness. Our conversation 
took the following turn: "You are reading a very 
precious book." "Yes, the best in all the world ; it 
has been my companion for many years." "May I 
ask the chapter you- were perusing?" "It is my 
favorite chapter, Romans viii. : 'There is therefore 
now no condemnation to them that are in Christ 
Jesus.' " "That is a blessed chapter, and it was my 
mother's favorite also. You are a stranger in the 
city?" "Yes, sir; my home is five hundred miles 
from here, in Pennsylvania. I came here to undergo 
a surgical operation. " "What, think, you, will be the 
result?" "I can not tell; but I feel entirely re- 



CINCINNATI HOSPITA L. 53 

signed to the will of God." "Suppose you die 
under the operation ?•" "I can say, 'The will of the 
Lord be done!'" After prayer and a few more 
pleasant interviews with the sufferer, the operation 
was performed, and the second day after she calmly 
fell asleep in Jesus. To her death had no terrors. 
To live was Christ, and to die was gain. 

A Colored Woman, mother of a large family, living 
in Kentucky, was afflicted with a tumor in her side. 
It was the largest ever seen here, and weighed 
seventy -five pounds. The poor sufferer sank under 
its removal, and died. She was a truly Christian 
woman, and was willing to endure the operation for 
the sake of prolonging life for her family's sake. 
She spent much time in prayer, and was so glad 
when we prayed with her. 

Many operations performed are successful, and 
the patient recovers health and strength. Often 
these persons urgently request prayers for their re- 
covery. It is gratifying to minister to them in their 
afflicted condition. A more careful nurse than Mrs. 
W., in the women's surgical ward, can not be found. 
For over twenty years she has kindly nursed these 
afflicted ones. 

In this same ward are found from five to eight 
young girls who are afflicted with various maladies. 
All of them love singing. The half-hour thus spent 
flies far too quickly. Sometimes eight gospel hymns 
are sung with great sweetness. Among the favorites 
are: "Man of Sorrows, what a name!" "All the 
way my Savior leads me," "It is well with my 



54 CINCINNATI HOSPITAL. 

soul," "I am thine, Lord, I have heard thy voice," 
and 'T gave my life for thee." 

The singing is a real enjoyment to the score of 
aged women in this ward. A short prayer and a few 
words of Scripture close the exercises. Flowering 
plants adorn the windows, and canary-birds often 
join us in singing. Contrast this scene with the old 
Hospital of thirty years ago, the improvements are 
great and marvelous. Poor sick people have no need 
to dread the Hospital ; yet many do, and possess a 
great aversion to entering. Many defer going until it 
is too late to be benefited. It is no uncommon thing 
for a man or woman to be removed thither in the very 
last stage of disease, and they die in some cases the 
day after admission. Their food is excellent, and 
nursing unsurpassed. Thousands bless God for the 
, Hospital. 

THE RIOT KILLED AND WOUNDED. 

The fearful riot of March 30, 1884, is fresh in the 
minds of all our citizens. The murder of Kirk, and 
the Taylors of Avondale, and scores of murderers in 
the Jail unpunished, led to the rioting. About fifty 
innocent men were killed, and over one hundred and 
sixty wounded, many of whom died. 

SCENE AT HABIG'S. 

Long rows of dead men, shot in various parts of 
the body, the man of gray hairs, the middle-aged, 
and some mere lads, were here. The sight was 
sickening and appalling. Who could help shedding 
tears over these dead men ? Who slew all these ? 



CINCINNATI HOSPITAL. 55 

The real murderers who caused their death were safe 
in the fire proof Jail, while the Court-house, adjoin- 
ing, was burnt to ashes. A sad day! A dark day, 
indeed, was this in the history of our city! *May God 
forbid we should ever see the like again. Let us 
never forget, that ' 'Righteousness exalteth a nation, 
but sin is the reproach of any people." 

men's surgical ward. 

Never since the war was there a sadder or more 
terrible sight than was seen in the two wards con- 
taining the wounded men from the riot. Sixty of 
these wounded men were here treated. They were 
shot in the mouth, head, knee, thigh, side, feet and 
hands ; one man in both legs. A shocking sight ! 
They bore their sufferings bravely. Several died, 
others recovered, and some were crippled for life. 
To them the word of God and prayer were very 
acceptable. One boy of fifteen years was shot in his 
shoulder. He recovered and returned home. 

COLORED MEN'S WARD. 

For over twenty years Mr. P. has been the faith- 
ful nurse of these men, old and young, afflicted 
with all diseases which are common to men. Often 
desperate characters are brought in, shot or injured 
in drunken quarrels. Whether good or bad, all are 
kindly nursed and receive the best medical attentions. 
Incurables are sent to the City Infirmary ; also the 
hopelessly blind and the very aged, when they have 
no means of support or earthly friends. They enjoy 
the word of God and prayer, and are among the best 



56 CINCINNA TI HOSPITAL. 

of singers. Readily they join in any of the songs 
we use among them. In this ward, during the last 
two years, my friend, Mr. Julius Q. Mulford, has 
accompanied me, and in several other wards, where 
are afflicted women and children. Often we find sin- 
cere Christian men, whose poverty of circumstances 
lead them to the Hospital. 

COLORED WOMEN'S WARD. 

Faithful and good nurses have charge of these 
people. When a nurse can discharge her duty for 
ten or fifteen years, it is one of the best evidences of 
her fitness. Mrs. C. has for some years nursed in 
this ward. Often we find among the patients sincere 
Christian women. To them the word of God and 
prayer are always" a delight. Many, indeed, die with- 
out hope or mercy, having wasted their lives in sin, 
and brought on sickness by their vices. 

children's ward. 

The description of Christian work in the Hospital 
would be incomplete without noticing the little chil- 
dren, of whom the Son of God declares, "Of such is 
the kingdom of heaven." For many years Mrs. C. 
has had charge of the children, and they invariably 
call her mother* for she acts as mother to them all. 

It is a curious sight to witness, on entering, the 
little ones cry out, all at once, "Here comes Mr. 
Emery, now we shall sing." Some are cripples. They 
hobble along on crutches, some move about on one 
crutch; once in a while they creep along the floor, 
and arrange their chairs around us. Their songs are 
of the simplest kind, yet sung with heartiness. 



CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL. 57 

1 'Jesus loves me, this I know," "I have a Father 
in the promised land," and "Shall we gather at the 
river, " are among the favorites. Of Bible stories they 
never tire. It is one of the prettiest sights in the Hos- 
pital, and the children's ward is the most cheerful. 
One little girl who fell from a porch, was here over 
a year ; always cheerful, always ready to sing, even 
when in bed. 

Once in a while when there is a child "nobody cares 
for," it is sent to the City Infirmary, there to remain 
until some one adopts it. These generally greet us 
with clapping of hands and smiles. Should we not 
all remember the Master's words, "Take heed that 
ye despise not one of these little ones, for I say unto 
you, their angels do always behold the face of my 
Father who is in heaven "? Occasionally we meet 
one of the little ones on the street and receive their 
congratulations. 

NEW CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL. 

Thomas Emery's Sons have done a noble deed of 
philanthropy, in erecting a hospital for children, with 
all modern improvements, on Mt. Auburn, at a 
cost of over $60,000, with this broad and beautiful 
inscription, "Children admitted irrespective of creed, 
color or nationality." It can not fail to prove a 
great blessing to children. Every lover of humanity 
will wish the lady managers great success. 

st. luke's hospital, 
Situated on Franklin and Broadway, established by 
our Episcopal friends, and sustained by them chiefly, 
had a bright and useful career. Rev. R. Gray was 



58 ST. LUKE'S HOSPITAL. 

chaplain, and we often met here visiting the sick. It 
began in 1865, and was closed in 1869. Many pleas- 
ing recollections cluster around this institution. It 
seemed a pity to give it up for want of the necessary 
funds ; but, like many other good things begun in our 
city, it died for want of support. It cost some $7,000 
a year to sustain it. 

A lady from Portsmouth, Ohio, was an inmate for 
a long time, and by the blessing of God on medical 
skill and good nursing, she was perfectly restored. 
Her bright countenance and cheery voice in singing 
were always interesting to visitors. Accustomed to 
teach in a Sunday-school, she delighted to hear any- 
thing of this kind. 

CLOSE OF A USEFUL LIFE. 

One of the last to die in this Hospital was the 
faithful nurse, Miss Van Alstin, who had watched 
over the sick nearly three years, and was so deeply 
interested that she left her earnings for the benefit of 
the institution. Often she expressed fear of death, 
and at times doubted whether she was a child of 
God. One day our conversation took this turn, "Do 
you think a Christian should fear death?" "By no 
means, for to die is gain." "I've always had a dread 
of death.'* "So have many Christians; but when the 
last enemy comes, Jesus is with them, and they die in 
peace." ' 'I've done so little in my life to glorify God:" 
" Are there not some things which give you pleasure ?" 
"Yes; when I taught a class in a Sabbath-school 
in New York, that was one of the happiest parts of 
my life. Then when I came to Ohio, and was in 



MARINE HOSPITAL. 59 

the nursery of the Orphan Asylum, the little children 
would come to me and say, 'You're my mother now, 
pray with me.' And I did, and God blessed me 
there. And the rest of my life has been spent among 
the sick and dying. Many a time at midnight I've 
kneeled by them and prayed." 

The last months of her life were spent on a sick- 
bed ; she died of consumption, and wrote with pencil 
these four lines : 

" Jesus can make a dying bed, 
Feel soft as downy pillows are, 
While on his breast I lean ray head, 

And breathe my life out sweetly there." 

Her end was peace. She died happy in the Lord. 

This slip of paper the dying nurse sent to another 
lady, dying of consumption in the next room. Thus 
one dear friend cheered the other, in view of crossing 
that mysterious stream we sometimes call the river 
of death. "I can trust Christ Jesus for time and 
eternity," was the expression of the last patient when 
dying. Soon after the death of these two excellent 
women the Hospital was closed. The new Hospital, 
capable of accommodating one thousand patients, 
was deemed sufficient for the present. 

THE MARINE HOSPITAL, 

Built by the Government on Mt. Adams for the 
accommodation of boatmen, had a short but useful 
career. In the time of the war it was filled with 
soldiers. Then it was sold. Two benevolent men, Mr. 
Butler and Mr. Worthington, purchased it and gave 
it to the Catholics. It is now ''The Good Samaritan 
Hospital," controlled entirely by them. Visitors 



60 HOMEOPA TH1C HOSP1TA L. 

with Bibles, Testaments and tracts are not permitted 
to pass through its wards. Once in a long time the 
missionary is called to visit a single patient and ad- 
minister to him consolation. 

The same is true of Betts Street Hospital, also 
under the Catholics. All creeds are admitted, but 
only the priests and Sisters of Charity visit the wards 
regularly for religious instruction. 

THE HOMEOPATHIC HOSPITAL, 

For women and children, sustained by voluntary con- 
tributions, is on Ninth Street, west of Baymiller. It 
began in 1882. More like a private house for quiet- 
ness and comfort, it fulfils a long felt want. The 
inmates number from six to sixteen, and are care 
fully nursed. They receive thankfully copies of the 
Christian Press and other papers. Only in special 
cases, requesting visitation, is the missionary called 
upon. Often a weary heart has been cheered by the 
word of God and prayer. Many an afflicted woman 
has blessed God for this institution. 

PEST-HOUSE. 

Where Lincoln Park now is, with its artificial lake, 
its fountain, its well graveled walks, shady trees and 
bright flowers, was once the Potter's Field, where stood 
a few low buildings, called the Pest-house. In this 
field, where strangers, suicides and others were buried, 
were eighteen hundred graves. This was in the 
year 1852. The Pest-house was then removed to Roll's 
Hill, and remained some years; then it was removed 
a few miles up Lick Run, where it still remains. The 



PEST HOUSE. 61 

latter place I have never visited. When on the hill- 
top, there were many cases of smallpox ; people be- 
came restless in the vicinity, and it was removed to 
its present locality. 

The old Pest-house was the place for the poor 
colored people. Of these there were from ten to six- 
teen, men and women; and the colored sick were 
sent here. That seems strange, yet strangely true ! 
Why these people should be placed in the same 
building with the smallpox patients, is very strange. 
Did the authorities wish to get rid of them? Did 
they wish to spread the contagion ? Colored people 
in those days were often denied privileges accorded 
to every other nationality. Blessed be God, the war 
and its results have changed these things for the 
better. 

AN AMPUTATION. 

Whilst visiting these poor people in 1854, I was 
permitted to witness the amputation of a colored 
man's leg. With others he had been dancing and 
drinking in the night; the disturbance was so great 
the police were called; and to avoid arrest, he jumped 
from the window and broke his leg just above the 
ankle. Dr. Mussey, Sr. , performed the operation 
with as much care as though he were a millionaire. 
He survived the operation only a few days. The 
man's blood was full of whisky. It is feared he died 
without hope or mercy. 

RELIGIOUS SERVICES. 

That these visits, once a week, were fully appre- 
ciated, let the following quaint expressions be pon- 



62 PEST HOUSE. 

dered : "If it wasn't for our little preacher's comin', 
our souls 'ud starve to death; and if he was to quit 
comin', we'd be in a bad fix. Who cares for us poor 
niggers? Nobody, 'cept him, we reckon. De Lord 
shall reward him at de great day." "When are you 
comin' again? Don't forsake us, for de good Lord's 
sake. May Master Jesus bless you, and may we all 
meet you at his right hand in glory." 

One poor woman, Lewis, died here of consump- 
tion ; her end was calm and peaceful. The last time 
I saw her, I found her patiently waiting, sometimes 
longing, for the hour of her release. I can not doubt 
that she is among that "great multitude, clothed in 
white robes, and with palms in their hands." 

George, a simple hearted man, died recently, who, 
I trust, has gone -to join the church triumphant. 
The first time he heard the word, he lifted up his 
voice, and weeping aloud, grieved over his sinfulness, 
but believed Christ would forgive him, saying: "I 
want to be baptized. George is a poor, unworthy sin- 
ner, but I hope my blessed Jesus has forgiven me." 
He became more and more feeble until he died, leav- 
ing behind the evidence of his having obtained salva- 
tion through a crucified Redeemer. 

DEATH OF A PRODIGAL. 

In 1854, Wm B., son of a minister of the gospel 
in South Carolina, was sick here many months, and 
died a sad death. He had been a profligate man, 
and though often urged to repent, kept on in his 
sins. He would say, "Ah! you may talk; when any- 
body's been as wicked as I have, all their life, 'taint 



PEST HOUSE. 63 

so easy to repent." He often deplored the life he 
had led, saying, "Ah, well! it's no use, it can't be 
helped, too late now !" His last words were, "Dark! 
all is dark, no hope! Too late! It's too late now!" 
Thus he died. 

Contrasted with the foregoing was the death of, 
poor old 

UNCLE JACK. 

He died shouting the praises of Jesus. His was truly 
a happy death. Often, during preaching, he would 
burst out laughing; this was his way of expressing 
joy. When checked, he would say: "Lord bless 
your soul, who can help it when they feels as happy 
as I do. Must laugh, 'taint no use sayin' nothin' 
about it. I know the Lord has converted my soul. 
What would poor Jack have been but for his mercy?" 
Joy and peace ever sat on the brow of this aged 
Christian. When death came, the servant of Christ 
rejoiced. "Blessed is that servant who, when his 
Lord cometh, shall find watching." 

Aunt Judith expressed her joy by jumping and 
clapping her hands. No one could restrain her. She 
would shout: "My blessed Jesus! Who can help 
shouting? I love him with all my heart." Their two 
favorite hymns were, "Come, thou Fount of every 
blessing," and "There is a fountain filled with blood." 

Many precious meetings were held with these 
people. The only survivor known to me is Jane 
Moore, who has been all the rounds to Hospital, In- 
firmary and Work -house. May she at last find a 
home with the redeemed in glory. 



64 THE WIDOWS' HOME. 

JEWISH HOSPITAL. 

To their credit it is recorded that our Hebrew 
fellow-citizens take care of their sick, their poor and 
their orphan children. Considering the thousands 
of Israelites who reside in our midst, this is really 
praiseworthy. Many of them have been kind and 
liberal in contributing toward the sustenance of the 
writer for twenty-five years past. And in the last 
thirty-five years I have found only one Jew in the 
City Infirmary, and one sent to the Penitentiary. 
The latter was for forgery. He had a wonderful talent 
for writing — wrote me a card equal to any copper- 
plate. The other was a poor Polish Jew, afflicted 
with softening of the brain. As the word of God was 
read to him and prayer was offered, he invariably 
wept. 

During 1853-54-55 I made several pleasant visits 
to this Hospital, and was always kindly welcomed. 
Never many patients. Everything cozy and com- 
fortable. The pressure of many other duties has led 
me to relinquish visiting this pleasant resting-place 
of afflicted Jews. 

THE WIDOWS' HOME. 

Its first location was in two private houses on 
Everett Street, near Central Avenue. Its next was 
in the building erected on Mt. Auburn, opposite the 
German Orphan Asylum, and its present location on 
Walnut Hills. Wesley Smead, formerly a banker of 
our city, was its liberal founder, giving his thousands 
of dollars. Many years ago, when we were going to 
the institution on Mt. Auburn, he said with great 



THE WIDOWS' HOME. 65 

emphasis: "There is something I can never lose. 
If I lose all I have on earth, that Home is secured 
for aged women." "Yes!" I replied, "that is some- 
thing which will bless aged women for many genera- 
tions, when you and I are laid in our graves." 

During twenty-eight years, until 1880, it was a 
privilege to minister to the spiritual wants of these 
aged women, and they, as well as the lady managers, 
appreciated these services. On the removal of the 
Home to Walnut Hills, it seemed to me ten resident 
ministers, and twenty others in Lane Seminary might 
well perform this service. It is gratifying to know 
that the Home is supplied with religious services on 
the Sabbath. 

The following extract from our first annual report, 
published in 1853, will be read with interest: 

"This excellent asylum for the aged and infirm con- 
tains but sixteen inmates. To the majority of these, 
we have reason to hope, Christ is precious. Of the 
means of grace they would have been entirely de- 
prived, since their removal from the city, but for the 
weekly visits of your missionary. Every Thursday 
afternoon we meet in the large parlor of the house, 
where we read, sing and pray, and expound some 
portion of the word of God. Very often, at these 
little meetings, have the souls of these aged women 
been refreshed, and we have felt the Redeemer was 
faithful to his promise : 'Where two or three are 
gathered together in my name, there am I in the 
midst of them.' 

"During the year, Mrs. Payne, an aged afflicted 
woman, died. Her mind was somewhat deranged 



66 THE WIDOWS 7 HOME. 

by a succession of heavy afflictions, yet she always 
evinced astonishing clearness and correctness in all 
religious truth. On asking her one day, 'Do you 
know Mr. R.? Mr. S.? Do you know me?' she 
said, 'No.' 'Do you know Jesus Christ?' 4 I guess 
I do ! I guess I do ; I love him ! I ought to know 
him ! he died for a poor, guilty sinner like me.' She 
then gave vent to her feelings in cries, prayers and 
tears. Never was she bewildered about Christ and 
his salvation. Her affliction was of long duration, 
but her end was calm and peaceful as a summer 
evening." 

Mrs. W., an estimable English lady, spent the last 
years of her life in the Home, and died in her eighty- 
sixth year. Another, Mrs. P., who always appreciated 
the religious meetings, died, aged eighty-five. Mrs. 
W., a Scotch lady, while engaged in her morning 
devotions was burned ; her clothing caught fire from 
the stove, from the effects of which she died, aged 
ninety years. The lives of these aged women were 
prolonged by their residence in this quiet place, sur- 
rounded by a pure atmosphere, away from the noise 
and dust and smoke of the city. 

Some of the happiest recollections of my mission- 
ary life are connected with the Widows' Home. 
During the five years, from 1875 to 1880, Rev. R. 
Gray, missionary, alternated with me on Wednes- 
day afternoons. So they had preaching every week, 
and sometimes on the Sabbath. My esteemed Bro. 
Gray died a few years since, in his eightieth year, in 
the faith of Christ. 



GERMAN WIDOWS'' HOME. 67 

GERMAN WIDOWS' HOME. 

Soon after the original Widows' Home was trans- 
ferred to the new and commodious buildings on Wal- 
nut Hills, the building on Mt. Auburn was sold, and 
purchased by Mrs. Lauretta Gibson, who generously 
presented it for the German Widows' Home. A 
noble gift ! God shall bless all such who devise lib- 
eral things for his poor children. 

After the building was renovated and put in 
thorough repair, it was opened with appropriate 
ceremonies, November 22, 1881. There were in 
attendance a large number of citizens, many Ger- 
man ministers and hundreds of ladies. The Home 
opened with nine inmates ; it now has forty. It is 
managed with that thought and economy for which 
qualities our German citizens are proverbial. These 
aged women appreciate my visits, some twelve in 
the year, and thankfully receive German papers and 
tracts. Most of them enjoy gospel hymns, and listen 
with profound delight to the singing. A brief talk 
on some Scripture truth, spoken in plain words, is 
understood. Like the other Home, it depends 
mainly on voluntary contributions for support, and 
inasmuch as many of our German citizens have be- 
come wealthy, they ought never to suffer the Home 
to want for money. Occasionally the Home is remem- 
bered in the will of the wealthy. These sums are 
added to the "Endowment Fund." For ages to 
come may this asylum prove a blessing to the 
aged German widows, thus making their hearts to 
"sing for joy. " "Thou shalt remember the widow 



68 HOME FOR THE FRIENDLESS. 

and fatherless," is the command of our Heavenly- 
Father. 

HOME FOR THE FRIENDLESS AND FOUNDLINGS. 

This benevolent institution for sheltering and re- 
claiming friendless women, was founded by several be- 
nevolent women of our city in 1855. Among its first, 
truest and best lady managers were Mesdames Bishop, 
Bailey and Taylor, all of whom have gone to their 
reward. Mrs. Worcester, the present President of the 
Board, Mrs. Warman, Mrs. Reed, and all the other 
ladies, devote themselves to its maintenance and pros- 
perity. Mrs. Bishop died in September, 1883. Her 
life seemed bound up in this Home. Every inmate 
wept tears of sorrow at her death. With great ability 
Mrs. Bishop presided at meetings of the Board for 
many years, up to the time of her death. Suitable 
resolutions were passed, expressing their high appre- 
ciation of her labors. Her end was peace. 

The Home began its useful work in a rented house 
on John Street near Clinton. From thence it was 
removed to Sixth Street near Smith, then to its own 
building on Court Street near John. Young women 
seeking employment, strangers and penniless women, 
here find a kindly welcome. Others who have wan- 
dered from the paths of virtue, are also received. 
And a large number of women here find food and 
shelter for one or two nights, and then go on their 
way rejoicing. 

In the choice of matrons the ladies have been suc- 
cessful and shown wisdom. Mrs. Dryer was the first; 
a pious, excellent lady. Whilst on Sixth Street, at 



HOME FOB FOUNDLINGS. 69 

the request of the managers, my wife acted as matron 
for several months, but the strain on her sympathies 
was too much, and she resigned. Mrs. A. B. Smith 
was matron in the new Home for over twelve years; 
one of the best and most efficient the Home has ever 
had. The feeble state of her husband's health led 
her to resign. They went to California, where he died 
a few years later. Mrs. Smith in that distant State 
remembers the Home in her prayers and in her let- 
ters. Many souls were led to Christ through her 
pious labors. Her name is held in grateful remem- 
brance. 

HOME FOR FOUNDLINGS. 

A few years ago it was felt desirable to admit lost 
babes, some of whom were cast off by unnatural pa- 
rents, others found in baskets on doorsteps. Once 
in a while a poor little one is left at the door of the 
Home. Others from the Hospital, whose unmarried 
mothers have died. This department has been suc- 
cessfully managed by Miss C. Emmons, an efficient 
nurse. Care is taken about adopting these little 
ones. Occasionally have I been called to attend the 
funeral of one of these, of whom Jesus said, "Of 
such is the kingdom of heaven." 

Sometimes the missionary is called to perform the 
rites of marriage of an inmate. Congratulations, 
tears, smiles and flowers are then the order of the 
day, as the bridegroom bears away his loved one to 
distant parts. 

Mary D. was an inmate for many years, was here 
led to seek salvation, and was very useful in the sew- 
ing department. She was a quiet, industrious, pious 



70 HOME FOE THE FMIENDLESS. 

woman, and, after a lingering illness of consumption, 
died in peace. 

It is impossible to tell the number of rescued ones, 
but all are made to feel that ' 'the fear of the Lord that 
is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding." 
A wholesome religious influence pervades the Home. 
Its present matron, Miss Morgan, is a devoted Chris- 
tian, a member of the First Baptist Church, wise in 
her management, and is doing good work for the 
Master. Many hundreds of young women are shel- 
tered every year. The lady managers and matron 
often receive letters from those who have been in- 
mates. This is an eminently benevolent institution, 
blessing its members for time and eternity. 

THE BIBLE-READING, 

On Friday, at 4 p. m., during the past twenty-five 
years, has been a source of great spiritual profit to 
hundreds of these women. Two of the gospel 
hymns, "Man of Sorrows, what a name!" and "All 
the way my Savior leads me," are always sung with 
great feeling. Many, for the first time in their lives, 
engage in singing and reading the Scriptures. After 
a brief address on the truths read, every one reads 
or repeats a verse of Scripture ; the exercises close 
with prayer, then all join in the Lord's Prayer. 

Other ministers hold a service here on Sabbath at 
3 p. m. This institution, whose endowment fund is 
small, should have all the money it needs from our 
citizens. Its affairs are managed with great economy. 
Among its Trustees are R. M. Bishop, R. A. Hol- 
den ; J. Webb, Treasurer, A. W. Whelpley and S S. 



LONGYIEW ASYLUM. 71 

Davis ; men in whom the community has entire con- 
fidence. Long may this institution prove to be a 
blessing to homeless women, and cast-off and for- 
saken infants. 

LONGVIEW ASYLUM, 

With its seven hundred inmates, ought to have the 
gospel of Christ preached regularly within its walls. 
This has never been done. Probably one-half of these 
poor unfortunates could appreciate it. During Dr. 
Langdon's superintendency, a committee from the 
evangelical ministers, consisting of a Methodist min- 
ister and myself, was appointed to wait on him and see 
what could be done. We found from his expressed 
opinions that he was opposed to having preaching, 
and said it was useless; he would rather have music 
and dancing. We brought in our report, and no 
further efforts were made by that body to supply 
Longview with the gospel. And yet Christ said, 
"Preach the gospel to every creature." He did not 
except lunatics. 

In 1876, a devoted missionary of the Methodist 
Church, Dr. Fisher, visited Longview and the County 
Infirmary, which is close by. He proposed to me 
to visit both institutions twice a month. He was 
faithful and zealous until his removal to Omaha — - 
a loss to our city. 

I began holding services May 26, 1876, and was 
very cordially welcomed by all the officials. The 
inmates were exceedingly grateful, and listened with 
reverence to the preached word and prayer. Many 
of them joined in singing. Often these poor people 
would say, "Come again; come and preach on the 



72 CITY INFIRM AR Y. 

Sabbath." The 'latter I could not do. All the time 
of Dr. Bunker's superintendency, these meetings 
were held twice a month. 

Two years later Dr. Miller was appointed super- 
intendent, and my labors continued regularly until 
October 20, 1 88 1. On leaving, Dr. Miller very po- 
litely informed me "that there had been some trouble 
with the Catholics, and I had better stop coming for 
the present." I expressed regret, and my labors 
ceased. 

One young man who was there several years and 
always sang heartily, is restored, and is now pastor 
of a church in Illinois. He loved to hear the word 
of God while there, as did scores of others. Surely 
these people ought to have the word of God as much 
as the poor in our Infirmaries. There ought to be a 
chaplain employed to visit the sick and the dying, 
and to preach the gospel on the Sabbath. God 
grant that day may soon come. 

CITY INFIRMARY. 

This home for the poor, the aged, infirm and blind, 
receives also the hopelessly sick, the paralytic, and 
some forty children. Built on a beautiful location 
near Hartwell, it has contained the past winter over 
seven hundred inmates. Its present superintendent, 
Mr. John P. Decker, is one of the best the institution 
has ever had. His excellent wife is also one of the 
best of matrons. Their discipline is good, their care 
of the poor highly praiseworthy. They always wel- 
come those who come to impart spiritual instruction 



CITY JNFIRMAR Y. 73 

to the inmates. An excellent corps of nurses is 
employed. 

From its very opening- in 1852, I have known every 
superintendent, and matron, and physician. Dr. 
Marsh, A. M. Robinson, Arthur. Hill, Abijah Wat- 
son, Capt. Whitney, with some others, have gone 
the way of all the earth. Both officials and inmates 
have, during all these years, welcomed the missionary 
in his labors. There was but one slight, short inter- 
ruption, arising from Catholic interference. It was 
published in my annual report for 1854, as fol- 
lows : 

"Every true friend of religious liberty will regret 
to know that both the Commercial Hospital and City 
Infirmary are closed against Protestant missionaries 
and ministers. This was done by the will of the 
directors of the Hospital and Infirmary, although 
there is not a clause in the new rules for either to 
forbid the voluntary services of such as are willing 
to comfort the poor, sick and dying inmates." 

The City Infirmary I visited once a week until the 
7th of June, when, to my astonishment, a letter from 
Charles Ross, one of the directors, was put into my 
hands forbidding my visitations, giving as a reason, 
1 ' We have got into trouble with the Catholic clergy. " 
So my labors here ceased for a few weeks. In the 
meantime, public sentiment was aroused against this 
attack on religions liberty, and the directors wisely 
rescinded the objectionable resolution. From that 
time to the present, no restrictions have been made 
against proclaiming the gospel to these poor. May 
the day never come when the objects of our charity, 



74 CITY INFIRMARY. 

the inmates of this institution, shall be deprived of 
hearing the gospel of Christ, which brings peace on 
earth and good-will to men. One of the noblest men 
who ever lived has declared, "The gospel is the 
power of God unto salvation to every one that be- 
lieveth." 

My earliest visit to the Infirmary, as recorded in 
my daily journal, may give an idea of what it was 
then as contrasted with its present condition : 

Dec. 15, 1852. — "Reached this place by 9 a. m. 
with Brother H. Bushnell, he with a bag full of Bibles 
and I with a bag full of Testaments, hymn-books and 
tracts. In the schoolroom, where are about seventy 
children, I spent a pleasant hour running over the 
history of Joseph, which seemed very much to inter- 
est these juveniles; then we sang some lively hymns. 
I spent much time with the sick and infirm. The 
Infirmary contains some two hundred inmates of all 
ages, from the infant of days to the man of fourscore. 
Here are congregated the halt, blind, maimed and 
sick, with many aged and infirm people. One excel- 
lence of the institution is, all who are able, are required 
to work." 

My visits continued once a week for a few years, 
but increasing duties have compelled me to make 
only two visits a month. The poor people have all 
these thirty -five years appreciated the services held 
among them. Hundreds have died here; in their 
last days, it has been a source of untold consolation 
to receive spiritual comfort. A few instances will 
here be given of the triumph of Christian faith over 
affliction and poverty. 



CITY INF1BMAB T. 75 

A REMARKABLE CONVERSION. 

About twenty-five years ago, while visiting the 
sick women, I found one, recently admitted, who 
was quite sick and emaciated; her face betokened a 
dissipated life. Our conversation took the following 
direction: "You are quite sick?" ''Yes, I am." 
"Are you a Christian?" "That is none of your 
business." "True, but it is important to you. " "I 
don't want to talk to you." "Very well, I will leave 
you. " So I left the room, and prayed God to change 
her mind. On my next visit she was very penitent, 
and, with tearful eyes, asked me to forgive her, and 
to read the Scriptures and pray with her. This I 
gladly did. 

Her history was a strange and sad one. When 
but a child six years old, she was persuaded to enter 
Dan Rice's circus, and performed many wonderful 
feats on horses. During many years she followed the 
circus throughout the land. All religious thoughts 
were soon dissipated; the very life she lived was one 
of gayety, excitement and folly. Overtaken by sick- 
ness and poverty, she was admitted to the Infirmary, 
where she remained some seven years. On my sec- 
ond interview, I asked : ' ' Did you ever read through 
the New Testament?" " No ; only a little bit of it 
when I was in Sabbath-school." " If I bring one, 
will you read it every word?" "Indeed I will, and 
thank you for it." The next time a Testament was 
given her. She began reading it carefully and felt 
she was a sinner, and soon learned that Christ came 
into the world to save sinners. Her tears often fell, 
and her prayers to the Son of God were heard ; she 



76 CITY IN FIRM AR Y. 

believed in his name. She read that book through 
ten times while here. 

Desiring to be baptized, she came into the city 
and united with the High Street Baptist Church, of 
which I was the acting pastor. This convert was the 
first I ever baptized in the Ohio River. Many others 
followed. After her baptism, Ellen returned to the 
Infirmary, living a consistent Christian life. Shortly 
before leaving, sickness prostrated her ; but she was 
unspeakably happy, trusting in Jesus. She repeated 
several times that precious hymn : 

" Abide with me, fast falls the eventide; 
When other helpers fail, with me abidt." 

On leaving the Infirmary, she called on rne for a 
certificate of Christian character. She left for North- 
ern Ohio. She has probably long since joined the 
great multitude of those who have washed their 
robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 
May both reader and writer, by the grace of God, 
find a place among these redeemed ones. 

FOUR ORPHAN CHILDREN. 

Mr. A., with his wife and four children, 
emigrated from the North of Ireland in 1849. They 
had not been here long before the wife died of chol- 
era. The husband's earnings were small, and the 
children were neglected. Placed in the Infirmary, 
they were well cared for, and were under a good 
school teacher. Their father was taken sick with 
consumption, and, after lingering long with that 
disease, he died in the old Commercial Hospital, 
about thirty- four years ago. 



CITY INFIRMARY. 77 

Every visit made to this afflicted man, he would 
inquire about his children. Twice before he died 
they were permitted to visit their father. The last 
visit may not be described. To each one he gave 
good advice and a dying father's blessing. When 
near his end he requested me to read the sixty-third 
Psalm, " O God, thou art my God ; early will I seek 
thee." I inquired, " Why this Psalm?" With tears in 
his eyes, he said, "It was the first Psalm my mother 
taught me when I was a little boy." As I read the 
verses the big tears chased each other down his wan 
cheeks. His mind was thrown back to days of 
childhood. Poor suffering one, he soon afterward 
yielded up his spirit to God. He was one of the few 
men found in the Hospital who could sincerely say, 
"I know that my Redeemer liveth." 

As for the children, they were placed in homes 
where they were kindly cared for ; perhaps scattered 
never to meet again on earth. It was to me an 
unspeakable joy to minister to the souls of these 
children, and to comfort their dying father. Surely, 
the kind friends who have enabled me to make these 
visits will share in the reward. Is it not written, 
" Blessed is he that considereth the poor; the Lord 
will strengthen him on the bed of languishing "? And 
Jesus says, "The poor ye have with you always, and 
whensoever ye will ye may do them good." 

The following two deaths occurred early in 1853: 

J. C, a poor girl from Ireland, trained in the 
Catholic Church, first heard the gospel of Jesus 
Christ through Mr. Bokum, when sick in the Hospi- 
tal, two years ago. She pursued her inquiries, and 



78 CITY INFIRMARY. 

searched for herself the inspired word, and learned 
to love and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. After 
many weeks of pain and suffering- she died, resting 
all her hope for pardon and salvation on the Savior 
of sinners. Her end was peace. To her our visits 
were always acceptable. 

George C, an old man near eighty, formerly of 
Virginia, died here after much lingering pain and 
weakness. We met this man last August in the 
Hospital. He thought his end was near. He was 
removed to the Infirmary in the fall. The change 
wrought beneficially, and prolonged his life many 
months. He ever manifested deep interest in the 
great atonement made for sin on Calvary. Though 
very diffident of himself, he appeared to possess a 
humble, steadfast reliance on Christ. The last time 
we saw him the power of speech was gone, but he 
grasped our hand, and on asking him, "Is your hope 
on Christ?" he nodded assent. "Are you afraid to 
die?" He shook his head. "The Lord Jesus receive 
your spirit." He tried to say Amen, but there was 
no sound, his lips only moved. He died the next 
day; we hope, a true believer in Christ. 

In the few years which followed, others died peace- 
fully in the faith of Christ; though some, alas! died 
as they lived, without God and without hope. 

CONVERTED AT FOURSCORE. 

Very ignorant and fearfully profane was this man, 
cast off and disowned by the few friends he had. He 
was very abrupt and rough in his answers to my 
questions ; nearly blind and rather deaf. One day I 



CITY INFIRMARY. 79 

asked him : "Do you pray?" "No ! never !" "That 
is strange!" "I don't know how; I've had no school- 
ing. " "But you are a sinner." "I know that, and 
a great one." "Christ died for our sins, and you 
don't love him?" "I can't love a person I never 
saw." "I can; I love John Howard, the philan- 
thropist ; I love John Bunyan, who wrote 'Pilgrim's 
Progress;' I love George Washington, father of his 
country; and I love Jesus Christ, who died for my 
sins, more than all besides. And I love the Apostle 
Paul, who preached Christ and wrote such wonderful 
epistles." The old man listened thoughtfully, and 
then said: "I see now what you mean. But don't 
think I love Jesus, for I've been so awfully wicked." 
Tears filled his eyes as he said : ' 'Nobody ever talked 
to me as you do ; if some one had done so, I believe 
I would have been a better man." He sighed 
heavily and said : "What can I do now? I know I'm 
wicked, and have been wicked all my life. Tell me 
what I ought to do?" "You must pray, 'God be 
merciful to me, a sinner.' " "I'll do that, and what 
else ?" "Believe on the Son of God, for it is written, 
'Whosoever believeth on him shall not perish, but 
shall have everlasting life.'" After quoting the 
leading truths of the gospel and praying, the old 
man said: "Thank you, God bless you. I wish 
some one had talked to me like this years ago, I 
would have been a very different man. " These visits 
continued up to the time of his death. No sooner 
had he begun praying, than he stopped swearing. 
Though unable to read, he relished the word and 
prayer. His last days were his best. He died very 



80 CITY INFIRM AR Y. 

happily, spending much time in audible prayer, thus 
exemplifying Montgomery's words — 

"Prayer is the Christian's vital breath, 
The Christian's native air, 
His watchword at the gate of death, 
He enters heaven with prayer." 

BLIND PETER 

Was a remarkable character. In the early days this 
very industrious German sawed most of the wood for 
the Infirmary. He was never happier than when at 
work in the woodshed. Skewers for meat, axe- 
handles and other articles in wood, he turned out with 
wonderful skill, though totally blind. He loved the 
word and prayer, and laid aside all his tools to attend 
the religious meetings. Many years ago he passed 
away to his heavenly home. 

BLIND CHARLIE, 

Also a German, is still an inmate ; makes all the 
brooms for the Infirmary, and does other work be 
sides. He is one of the most attentive listeners to 
the word of God, and has a fine bass voice, which he 
uses in singing. 

When Mr. Connor, the old letter-carrier died, some 
few years ago, blind Charlie and two others followed 
him to the grave. He had carried the mail to and 
from Hartwell for seventeen years, and left money 
enough with Dr. Bunker to bury him. He was 
interred in Spring Grove Cemetery. After a brief 
Scripture-reading and prayer, we sang by the open 
grave — 



ill!!!'!!: 




CITY INFIRMARY, 81 

"Nearer, my God, to thee, 
Nearer to thee !" 

The scene was weird and plaintive. The hymn was 
the special favorite of the blind man. 

THE CLOCKMAKER, 

Also a German, has plied his vocation ever since his 
admission, till two years ago. Discarded soup-bones 
he has turned into beautiful clocks. He speaks but 
little English, but always receives religious papers 
thankfully. He is now too feeble for work. 

D. Campbell, another genius, quite lame, can play 
the violin skillfully, and handle all sorts of tools. 
Some pieces of his workmanship have been placed in 
our Expositions. He is also a great reader and an 
intelligent man. 

Robert Jones, the Welshman, makes all sorts of 
curious ornaments from bones. He is quite a good 
singer. 

A MARKED CONVERSION. 

Henry Lewis, a German, was admitted into the 
old Commercial Hospital in 1851; having lost the 
use of his limbs through paralysis. He was among 
the first to be removed to the Infirmary. While in 
the Hospital I gave him a Bible, which he promised 
to read. He kept his word and read it through and 
through, to the end of his life. He soon discovered 
his sinfulness, and mourned over his misspent life 
Then he began to trust in Christ, and for many years 
he continued a faithful, humble Christian. He was 
baptized at the Infirmary. His joy and peace through 
Christ were remarkable. His daily motto was, 
6 



82 CITY INFIRM AB Y. 

* 'Always ready!" When the messenger came he was 
ready to enter the marriage supper of the Lamb. He 
died in peace, resting on that Jesus who died for his 
sins. 

A HAPPY BLIND MAN. 

One of the happiest men in the Infirmary was Mr. 
Jones, who by disease became totally blind. At first 
he felt very rebellious against God, but after mourn- 
ing over his calamity many weeks, he began to 
pray for mercy, and was led to trust in Christ Un- 
able to work, he sought a home in the Infirmary, 
where he spent the last ten years of his life. He often 
said to me: "I thank God for my blindness. " ''And 
why?" * 'Because, when I had good eyes, I lived in 
sin and forgot God, but now I thank him. I know I 
shall see my blessed Jesus." He taught a little boy 
the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, and a 
few hymns. He died peacefully in 1872, in the faith 
of Christ In his last days he often sang — 

"My Jesus, I love thee, I know thou art mine ; 
For thee all the pleasures of sin I resign." 

His influence over others was remarkable. Often he 
led the prayer meeting among the inmates. A man 
may do much good, though he may live and die in 
the poorhouse. 

A WEALTHY LADY, 

About the middle of life, was an inmate for only a 
few weeks. Her grief was very great; constantly 
weeping and bemoaning her sad condition. "She 
refused to be comforted." At one time her property 
amounted to $60,000, but all was swept away by one 



CITY INFIRM AB Y. 83 

calamity after another. She found the truthfulness 
of that Scripture, ' 'Riches make to themselves wings 
and fly away as an eagle toward heaven." Some of 
her friends pitied her, and removed her to their home, 
greatly to the relief of the poor people, the superin- 
tendent and nurses, all of whom did their best to 
console her. 

HAPPY WHEN ONE HUNDRED YEARS OLD. 

Margaret Gage found a home here for the last fif- 
teen years of her life. Always cheerful ; never more 
so than when listening to the word of God. The 
gospel to her was meat and drink. For many years 
she had served in some of the wealthy families of 
the city, and maintained an excellent character. 

Some of her quaint sayings were: ''Bless your souf, 
honey. I know I love Jesus, I know he's pardoned 
all my sins, and it won't be long before I see him." 
Her religion was of that positive and pleasing kind ; 
it was good to talk to her. Her memory entirely 
failed concerning earthly things, but of the heavenly 
she was never bewildered. A great lover of the 
songs of Zion, she sang with the heart as well as 
voice. Two of her favorite hymns were, "There is 
a fountain filled with blood," and "Come, thou 
Fount of every blessing." Calmly she fell asleep in 
Jesus, dying from old age. 

ONE HUNDRED AND NINE YEARS OLD. 

Robert Smith, a colored man, lived to this great 
age. He had seen George Washington, and other 
Presidents and distinguished men. Had been a hard- 



84 CITY INFIRM AR Y. 

working man up to fourscoure, and when his earn- 
ings were gone, friends and relatives had died, he 
found a home here. He was a lover of good people, 
and delighted to attend the religious meetings. His 
faculties were wonderfully preserved. He at last 
yielded calmly to the great destroyer. The death 
of these aged people is very easy ; in many cases 'tis 
like a tired child falling asleep. Unspeakably blessed, 
for such to awake in the kingdom of heaven. 

A MANUFACTURER. 

In 1868 died J. S. He was famous in our city forty 
years ago, as a manufacturer, some say the inven- 
tor, of Star candles. But for the wine cup he might 
have amassed considerable wealth. For many years 
he was an inmate, having lost all of his property. 
Very quiet, always respectful to others, he bore his 
misfortunes with resignation. He was regular in his 
attendance at the meetings. One day Mr. Boggs 
accompanied me, and at once recognized him, shook 
hands heartily, and said with deep emotion : ' 'John S., 
is it possible you are here? I'm really sorry, but may 
God bless you!" Both these aged men shed tears 
as they talked. He begged him to seek the Lord 
and prepare for the everlasting rest. It is hoped the 
advice was followed. 

THE THREE OLDEST INMATES. 

Blind Michael, or as he is called, Mike, was ad- 
mitted in 1852; also the German clockmaker, and 
Ellen Kennedy, who is weighed down with years. 
These three have been there from the opening. All of 



CITY 1NFIBMAB Y. 85 

them are quiet, well-behaved people. Many persons, 
by being removed from their unpleasant homes in 
the city, improve in health and morals, and are well 
provided for to the end of their lives. 

BLIND BUT HAPPY. 

During the last sixteen years of her life, Beulah 
Moore found a pleasant home in the Infirmary. Like 
many other blind people, she was very happy. A 
member of the First Baptist Church, she was a 
woman of devout piety. Often she followed me to 
the different parts of the building to hear the good 
word of God. Several times she has said: "I would 
rather go without my dinner than miss hearing the 
word of God. You know I'm blind, and I can seldom 
go to my church in the city, and I do love to hear 
the gospel." She was the only woman in the place 
who regularly asked me for a copy of the Minutes 
of Miami Baptist Association. She always found a 
reader for this, to most people, uninteresting pam- 
phlet. Inmates would read to her the blessed Gos« 
pels and Psalms. After a brief illness she died happy 
in the faith of Christ. 

A PIOUS CRIPPLE. 

Poor Jane had been a cripple for many years, and 
when no longer able to maintain herself by sewing; 
came here to spend the evening of her life. As she 
sat in her low rocking-chair, near the speaker, her 
eyes would sparkle with joy, and her face bore that 
happy expression indicating peace, contentment and 
happiness. When on her deathbed she did some 



86 CITY INF1RMAB Y. 

crochet work for her faithful nurse, Miss P. When 
requested to lay down her work, she said: "I do 
want to finish this yard before I die." Her fingers 
then were cold in death. She laid down her work 
and yielded up her spirit to that Jesus on whom she 
had believed. "Godliness with contentment is great 
gain. " True of poor Jane. 

ISAAC YOUNG — BLIND. 

For many years he was the faithful janitor of the 
Amazon Insurance Company. By reason of a blow on 
his head he became totally blind. The strong, active 
man was rendered incapable of earning his bread 
by this sad calamity. Amidst his darkness, before 
leaving his situation, I visited him and made known 
to him the decision of Doctors Aub and Williams. 
Both declared the optic nerve was paralyzed, and no 
earthly skill could restore his sight. He seemed in- 
consolable, and craved death rather than blindness. 
The grace of God preserved him from suicide. He 
would cry to him to restore his sight, and clung to 
the hope that he would one day have it restored. 
Overburdened with care and sorrow, his wife died 
after a tedious illness, in the faith of that Jesus she 
had loved from her youthful days. Their four chil- 
dren were taken away hy death some years before 
these calamities. I was called to visit them in sick- 
ness and attended their funerals. Now the compan- 
ion of his life was removed, nothing was left for him 
but to go to the Infirmary. Here the last seven 
years of his life were spent. On hearing my voice, 
he would say: "Here he comes! God bless our dear 



CITY INFIRM AR Y. 87 

brother !" And he clapped his hands for joy. 
Thoroughly attentive to the word and prayer, he 
heartily joined in singing as long as he was able. His 
brain became affected, and disease at last brought him 
to the end of life. Often he expressed firm reliance 
on Christ, and to him it was gain to die. 

Much kindness was shown him by the company, 
through Mr. Howell Gano, on many occasions; and 
they gave him a decent burial. It is said that "cor- 
porations have no souls." That is not true of this com- 
pany, for they unmistakably proved that they valued 
the services of a faithful janitor who had served them 
ten years. May God save the reader and the writer 
from blindness, which so many regard as worse than 
death. But in the case of our brother Young, and 
many others, God's promise holds true, "My grace 
is sufficient for thee." I baptized him into Union 
Baptist Church in i860. 

A young lady of refined taste, V. R., whose 
mother died years before, was afflicted with epilepsy. 
Admitted to the City Infirmary some ten years ago, 
she heard the gospel, believed it and was baptized. 
From that time to the day of her death she lived an 
exemplary Christian life. Her affliction was borne 
with great patience. The attacks often lasted three or 
four days, during which she would repeat chapters 
in the Bible, and sing the gospel hymns. At one of 
these times I overheard her singing 

w 

"Pass me not, O gentle Savior, 
Hear my humble cry ; 
Whilst on others thou art calling, 
Do not pass me by." 



88 CITY INFIRM AR Y. 

The tone of her voice was really pathetic. Her 
life was truly Christian. The nurse when called from 
the ward would invariably leave her in charge. But 
the last of these attacks came. Her peace was wonder- 
ful. She said: il Precious Jesus! I shall soon be 
be with him. I could not be happier, even in 
heaven, than I am here." So she passed away to 
her heavenly home, beloved by all who knew her. 

Shortly before her death her afflicted father found 
refuge in the Infirmary; here he remained nearly 
two years. He never spoke of his departed daughter 
without tears of joy. He grasped the same precious 
truths, and often expressed his hope as found in the 
hymn, "Rock of Ages, cleft for me!" 

A firm in the city, where he had faithfully served, 
was kind enough to bury him in Cumminsville by 
the side of his wife and daughter. 

Miss Purcell, who had been nurse for some sixteen 
years, died at Cumminsville, July, 1887. 

Mrs. Esther Whitridge, the devoted lady evangel- 
ist of the M. E. Church, began her work at the City 
Infirmary, about twelve years ago. She desired me 
to introduce her to mission work among the poor. 
On our way she requested me not to call on her to 
speak or pray. As we passed through the wards she 
prayed and spoke and sang about a dozen times, and 
became thoroughly interested in the work — went on 
alternate Wednesdays — and continued her visits for 
some three years with good success. She is now 
wholly engaged in various parts of the country win- 
ning souls. 

Mrs. H., of the Presbyterian Church, and Mrs. 



CITY INFIRMARY. 89 

Lawrence, with other ladies, visit occasionally. The 
harvest is great and the laborers are few. Ministers 
and laymen who preach on the Sabbath are all wel- 
comed and appreciated by the inmates. 

Time would fail me to tell of many others whose 
last years were spent in this asylum for the aged and 
infirm. Of the once successful merchant, of the 
judge on the bench, of the Lieutenant-Governor of a 
Western Territory, of the artisan, the lawyer, the 
physician, the industrious hard-working woman, the 
sewing girl, the domestic servant and laborers of all 
kinds. 

A large proportion of the inmates are Catholics, 
with whom we have always got along pleasantly. 
Many of them are attentive hearers of the word. Our 
National Constitution provides "That no law shall 
ever be passed to interfere with the free exercise of re- 
ligion." All my interviews with the Catholic priests, 
during thirty-five years, have been pleasant. Neither 
side has ever indulged in sharp words or needless 
controversies. 

Citizens can not be too careful in the selection of 
men who have charge of this and kindred institu- 
tions — men of honesty, kindness, firmness and sym- 
pathy for the poor, whose great age and bodily 
infirmities lead them to the Infirmary. Mayor Smith, 
and the citizens at the last election, have shown both 
care and wisdom in choosing such men. And of Mr. 
John P. Decker, the superintendent, and his excellent 
wife too much can not be said of their ability to 
manage and care for a family of seven hundred and 
fifty people. May God bless them and the faithful 



90 CO UNTY INFIRM AR F. 

nurses, for many years to come. May we all remem- 
ber the words of the Master, "Inasmuch as ye have 
done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, 
ye did unto me." The present Board of Directors, 
with John D. Caldwell as President, are well quali- 
fied for their duties. 

COUNTY INFIRMARY — CARTHAGE. 

This institution stands on a beautiful elevation, not 
far from Longview. It contains the village poor, 
their sick, aged and blind people. For many years 
a small frame building was used, before the present 
beautiful and commodious structure was erected. Its 
inmates vary from two to three hundred, the last 
year having the largest number. Here are mothers 
with their babes, children who are orphans, and some 
with poor, feeble and sometimes intemperate parents. 
A school-teacher is employed to instruct some thirty 
scholars. The half hour spent with them in singing, 
speaking and prayer, they always enjoy. At the 
close each one recites a verse of Scripture. 

My first visit occurred May 26, 1876. Mr. John 
Ritt was superintendent, and his excellent wife mat- 
ron. They gave the missionary such a hearty 
welcome, that he felt impelled to continue his visits, 
inasmuch as no regular preaching had been held 
among these people, who expressed their thankfulness 
in many emphatic words. Mr. Hunt and Mr. R. Cilley 
also gave a cordial welcome to these visits. The lat- 
ter had an organ placed in the chapel and supplied it 
with hymn-books, which added greatly to the ser- 
vices. The present superintendent, Mr. Santmyer, 



:m^^:> 



n 

o 
c 

H 

«! 








CO UXTY INFIBMAB Y. 91 

takes just as much interest in this part of the work 
and in the welfare of the inmates. His excellent 
wife visits constantly the sick and the aged women. 
Mr. Tyler, of Wyoming, conducts services on the 
Sabbath, and often at the City Infirmary. His influ- 
ence has secured the labors of Mr. Vigeon and sev- 
eral resident ministers. The distance from the city 
renders it impracticable for us who labor here to 
to preach on the Sabbath. 

Miss Harris, the school-teacher, died in 1880. 
Faithful, and much loved by the children and officials, 
her funeral was a sad one; yet all who knew her, 
felt assured she was gone to a better world. Her 
efforts to train the children in the nurture and ad- 
monition of the Lord were appreciated. The Chris- 
tian Church at Carthage was crowded with people at 
her funeral, who highly esteemed her. 

TWENTY YEARS SICK. 

James Davis, an aged man, had lain on the sick- 
bed over twenty years ; and what was very remark- 
able, he seldom complained, and was generally 
cheerful. All medical skill had been exhausted, and 
nothing more could be done, save to minister to his 
temporal and spiritual wants. 

A pious, aged couple, Mr. D. and wife, spent 
their last years in the Infirmary. Always ready for 
the gospel meetings. To them the word of God was 
the bread of life. Infirmities of many years pressed 
upon them. One soon followed the other to ''the 
house appointed for all the living." They died in 
peace. Another aged veteran lived to be ninety 



92 STRANGERS' HOME. 

years of age. To such death is always a welcome 
messenger. 

The services of the late Levi Coffin and wife, in 
behalf of the oppressed, in the days of slavery, will 
be had in lasting remembrance. After their death, 
their faithful servant, Mrs. Green, was taken sick with 
an incurable disease. She gladly availed herself of 
the Infirmary, where she ended her days. Although 
her sufferings were very painful, she bore them with 
resignation, trusting that Jesus who had been with 
her all through life. 

strangers' home. 

This public, free lodging-house was opened on 
Plum Street near Front in 1869, and closed after 
three years, in which time hundreds of homeless 
wanderers found shelter. It was under the manage- 
ment of the Y. M. C. A. With others I went two 
or three times a week and held religious services. 
Many difficulties were in the way, as will be seen in 
the following extract of our annual report for 1872 : 
' 'From sixty to two hundred men and boys 
found shelter in this humble dwelling last winter. A 
free lodging was given for all who applied, except- 
ing those whose noisy, boisterous conduct, through 
drunkenness, rendered them obnoxious to the other 
lodgers. Food was furnished to a limited extent, 
so far as money was received for the purpose. Re 
ligious and temperance meetings have been held, 
and numbers signed the pledge. This branch of my 
work is the most difficult to manage. Idleness and 
drunkenness are the chief causes of so many hun- 



STRANGERS' HOME. 93 

dreds seeking lodging on the floors of station-houses 
and the Strangers' Home. This evil prevails in all 
large cities. How to deal with it wisely or remove 
it, is a problem very difficult to solve." 



CHAPTEK II. 

WAR TIMES. 



SICK AND WOUNDED SOLDIERS. 

The election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency 
in November, i860, and the four years of Civil War 
which followed, has been ably wrrtten by its ablest 
soldier, General Grant, and others. We can add 
nothing to the leading historical facts, but a few 
things ought to be written of the suffering soldiers 
and the threatened destruction of Cincinnati. Thanks 
to God, in answer to the prayers of thousands, and 
the efforts of all classes of people, our city was 
spared. 

From the firing of Fort Sumter in April, 1861, 
to the end of the war, in April, 1865, hospitals for 
the sick and wounded soldiers were a necessity. 
Often they were so crowded that some lay upon the 
floors. The following were the hospitals used during 
the war and visited by the missionary: 

Commercial Hospital, on Twelfth Street. 

St. John's Hospital, on McFarland Street. 

Marine Hospital, on Mt. Adams. 

Third Street Hospital, near Central Avenue. 

Fourth Street Hospital, near Main ; a five-story 

building. 

(94) 



SICK AND WOUNDED SOLDIERS. 95 

George Street Hospital, an abandoned school- 
house. 

Barracks, on Sixth Street near Carr. 

The colored people, freed by slavery, were quar- 
tered for a season in the old Baker Street Church. 
They were supplied with bread, meat and coffee. 
Others were in the lower story in the Fourth Street 
Hospital. Then a frame building was erected in 
Avondale; afterward purchased by the trustees of 
the Colored Orphan Asylum, and now used for that 
purpose. Scores of us were busy day after day 
visiting these poor fugitives, who were then called 
Contrabands. . Homes were found for them as soon 
as possible. 

Among those thus emancipated, Aunt Kezia still 
lives, aged and infirm, and a true disciple of Christ; 
a woman of remarkable power in faith and prayer. 

A DYING NEGRO. 

In one of my wife's visits she found a pious, aged 
man, lying very sick on an old bedstead back of 
Allen Temple, in a dilapidated frame building. In 
the confusion of the war he had lost his wife; went 
to St. Louis and failed to find her ; then he traversed 
the streets of our city without success. On asking 
about his leaving the world, he exclaimed: "This is 
the day I've long been expecting. I'm not afraid to 
die ! I know Jesus has pardoned all my sins. I would 
like to have found my wife, but we shall meet in 
heaven." "Then your wife is a Christian ?" "Oh, 
yes ; we've both of us served God these many years." 
After giving him the consolations of the gospel and 



S6 CINCINNATI UNDER MARTIAL LAW. 

prayer, which he and others in the room enjoyed, 
we joined our voices in singing Dr. Watts' beautiful 
hymn — 

"When I survey the wondrous cross, 
On which the Prince of glory died ; 
My richest gain I count but loss, 

And pour contempt on all my pride." 

Our old friend joined in the song, and we bade him 
good-by, relieving his present necessities. Another 
visit and he was dead; or, rather, entered the rest 
which remains for the people of God. 

Among the colored people in Baker Street Church 
we held many a precious meeting ; also in Fourth 
Street Hospital. Bread and meat, coffee and sand- 
wiches, never come amiss with the gospel. The 
bread of life is never less relished when we bestow 
also the bread which perisheth. These people were 
exceedingly grateful. Their expressions were : 
"God bless you! May Jesus be ever with you ! Tell 
the good people who send us bread, we pray for 
them. Our blessed Master will reward you ! Thank 
God, we're free ! We've prayed for this many years ! 
We don't wish, our old masters harm, God knows. 
We's willin' to work. God bless Massa Lincoln an' 
all the soldiers." 

CINCINNATI UNDER MARTIAL LAW. 

On September 2, 1862, the inhabitants of our city 
were placed under martial law. This is the descrip- 
tion given in our daily journal of that exciting time, 
never to be forgotten : 

We awoke this morning and found our city, Cov- 



CINCINNATI UNDER MARTIAL LAW. 97 

ington and Newport under martial law. The rea- 
son is, Kirby Smith with the Southern army is on 
his way to the city. All is excitement and anxiety. 
None can leave without passes. All able-bodie'd 
men are require^ to enroll themselves. All busi- 
ness is closed except newspapers, post-office and 
provision stores. I reported at the voting place 
and enrolled myself as a worker. Made a few calls, 
but every one is so excited they can hardly think 
or speak of anything except the war. Oh, for 
patience and faith. . . . Called at the Military 
Hospital, read a few Scriptures and prayed with sick 
soldiers. 

September 3d. Left home at 7 a. m., marched off 
with one hundred and twenty other citizens from 
this ward (16th) to Covington; across the Pontoon 
Bridge. Staid an hour at the Baptist Seminary build- 
ing; then marched up the hill, three miles, to Fort 
Mitchell, where we halted, and after dinner we dug 
five hours in the trenches ; then had supper of hard 
bread, potatoes and coffee. Worked again until 
9)4 P- m. Then by permission of our excellent Cap- 
tain, T. D. Lincoln, the attorney, we held a brief 
religious service, conducted by Rev. Richard Gray, 
missionary, and myself. We sang that good old 
hymn— 

"Guide me, thou great Jehovah, 
Pilgrim through this barren land ; 
I am weak, but thou art mighty ; 
Hold me with thy powerful hand. 

Bread of heaven, 
Feed me till I want no more." 



93 CINCINNATI UNDER MARTIAL LAW. . 

Never in our lives did that hymn sound sweeter, 
and nearly every one sang it heartily. The stars 
looked down through the trees on hundreds of weary, 
anxious men, and undoubtedly angels of God wit- 
nessed the scene. Bro. Gray then offered a fervent 
prayer. I repeated the twenty-third Psalm : "The Lord 
is my shepherd; I shall not want " Then we sang: 
" 'Tis religion that can give." Another prayer, and 
we rested as best we could on the bare ground. 

Captain Lincoln thanked us, and said these services 
had a good influence on the company. It was almost 
impossible to sleep that night. Bro. Gray shared his 
blanket with me, and our old friend Moses divided 
his provisions with us. 

Dr. Phillips and myself were detailed to cook 
the food. With an improvised apron on, a carving- 
knife in his hand, he called out to the company, 
as they were digging at J A. m. : "Gentlemen, 
you needn't set your mouths for a good breakfast, 
for we've got nothing but hard-tack and bacon, 
and coffee without sugar or milk." This speech 
called forth ready responses : "I can't drink coffee 
without sugar," said one. "And I can't drink it 
without milk," said another. "My teeth are bad, 
and I can't eat that hard bread,'' responded several. 
And our good-tempered Captain looked on and 
smiled. 

"Hunger is good sauce," and so we found it. The 
bacon and hard-tack were devoured eagerly, and 
every cup of coffee was used up. And the Doctor 
declared: "Gentlemen, you've done ample justice 
to the breakfast. The cooks feel complimented, and 



CINCINNATI THREATENED. 99 

we will serve you to the best of our ability." The 
men went to work with a will. 

To .the colored men, who were digging near by, 
we gave a word of cheer: ' 'Dig away, brothers ; every 
spit is for freedom." They looked on us and said: 
"God bless you, we know it. God Almighty will 
protect us. He won't let no Southern army molest 
us. We're quite glad to work for our country." 

Without our request, Bro. Gray and myself were 
dismissed to return to the city and look after the 
women and children and the sick soldiers. Walking 
down that dusty road, we gladly dipped our tin cups 
in the cow tracks for water to quench our thirst. 
Returning to the city, we had plenty to do. Our 
families gladly greeted us. 

THE SQUIRREL-HUNTERS. 

Men and boys from every part of the State came 
pouring into the city. Every railroad, with box cars, 
flat cars, freight cars and passenger coaches, were 
loaded with men. All who could, brought shotguns, 
rifles, pistols and revolvers. Hundreds came on 
foot, others in wagons and buggies. For nearly 
three weeks they poured in upon us. 

CINCINNATI THREATENED. 

Where now stands the beautiful Tyler-Davidson- 
Probasco Fountain, the old Fifth Street Market- 
house stood. Here the thousands were fed with 
bread and meat, coffee, and occasionally vegetables. 
Many a soldier stuck his bayonet through a loaf and 
carried it off in triumph. Ladies of the city were 



100 MILITARY HOSPITALS— THIRD STREET. 

kept busy, night and day, hard at work, preparing 
food and garments for the soldiers. 

The war-cloud, over the city, passed away. Many 
men returned home, but the larger part enlisted in 
the army for the war. On hearing that our city was 
threatened, men left the workshop, the anvil and the 
store. Some left their horses and plow in the field, 
and the threshing-machine. They came in their 
blouses, their coats and shirt-sleeves. The response 
was most marvelous ; and under the God who rules 
the nations, the Southern army did not come near 
us, nor fire a gun in our streets. Every praying 
man thanked God, and all good citizens rejoiced over 
the result. 

MILITARY HOSPITALS— THIRD STREET. 

After the battle of Fort Donelson, our hospitals 
began to fill up with wounded and sick soldiers. 
There were many rebel soldiers, who always listened 
attentively to the word and prayer. We had no 
trouble with the men who were afflicted, but some- 
times a little rough treatment from those in charge ; 
but we endeavored to ''overcome evil with good," 
and had the hearty thanks of those men who had 
imperiled their lives for their country. 



On a Sabbath afternoon in April, 1862, Father 
Wright, of the Methodist Church, and four ladies 
accompanied me. By request of the soldiers we sang 
the well-known hymn, "There is a fountain filled with 
blood," etc. Several men shed tears, and one man 



MILITARY HOSPITALS— THIRD STREET. 101 

from Illinois wept aloud. On asking the cause,- he 
said: "I'm the wickedest man in the army. I've 
broken every commandment except murder. Oh, 
what shall I do? The doctors have given me up. 
They say I can never get well." 

We repeated to him the blessed invitations of the 
gospel, and reminded him that the "blood of Jesus 
Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all sin ;" that He 
is able to save to the uttermost. ''Though your sins 
be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though 
they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool/' He 
said: 'Tm too wicked a man to be saved." Father 
Wright spoke tenderly, and urged him to call upon 
Jesus as did the dying thief, and he would be saved. 
We then sang — 

"Just as I am, without one plea! 
But that thy blood was shed for me !" 

The struggle continued, and the weeping. Then I 
said: "Will you now call on Jesus to save you?" 
He said, "I will," and he did. Most of that night 
he continued praying, and found peace in believing. 
He lived some two weeks longer, and died in peace, 
saved through the blood of the Lamb. He was shot 
in the thigh, and suffered great pain, but bore it all 
with resignation, after he had found peace. Many 
other soldiers were deeply affected by this service, 
and gave us the assurance that they would live better 
lives. 

After the battle of Shiloh, or Pittsburg Landing, 
April 6, 1862, our city was crowded with the sick 
and wounded. For three weeks steamboats left 



102 MILITAR Y HOSPITALS-F UBTH STREET. 

Louisville loaded with these suffering men. It was 
an affecting sight to see long lines of men on 
crutches, on stretchers, others leaning on the arms of 
strong men. The stoutest hearts were melted on 
beholding these scenes of distress. Our citizens 
were prompt and liberal to meet these emergencies 
and help the suffering. 

FOURTH STREET HOSPITAL. 

April 17, 1862. Entering Fourth Street Hospital, 
the first duty assigned me was to preach a funeral 
sermon for a soldier's wife, who had died the previous 
evening. Around the coffin were her four children 
weeping ; two of them quite sick. Their father 
came down, and we held a brief service of fifteen 
minutes. Poor man, he seemed deeply grieved at his 
loss. Read the eleventh chapter of John and prayed. 
This faithful wife had come a long distance to visit 
her wounded husband. Two other soldiers were just 
carried out, who died the day before. 

Up-stairs we beheld a fearful array of wounded 
men, shot in all parts of the body. One man whose 
arm was amputated at the shoulder, was rejoicing in 
Christ. He had just received pardon and was ex- 
ceedingly happy. Rev. E. T. Robinson, pastor of 
Ninth Street Baptist Church, was with him in deep 
conversation. This pastor spent much time in the 
Military Hospitals; and by excessive labors and 
exposure to a July sun, died of typhoid fever at 
Glendale, July 21, 1862, beloved and lamented by 
a host of friends. Among his last words were: "It 
is so sweet to die !" 



MILITARY HOSPITALS— FOURTH STREET. 103 

A fme-iooking man, shot in the leg, felt his sinful- 
ness and desired to be prayed for. We responded 
to his appeal With this poor, wounded man I had 
a long talk. He did wish he had united with the 
church before going into the army, and expressed the 
hope of doing so erelong. 

Among the rebel soldiers I read and prayed. They 
showed me their Testaments, given them on leaving 
home. They were printed at Nashville. 

A young man from Illinois was shot in his side. 
The doctor was trying in vain to extract the bullet 
from his bleeding wound. Poor fellow, he screamed, 
cried and prayed. I directed him to the Lamb of 
God, who takes away the sin of the world. Every 
one pitied him. May Jesus save him. Oh, the hor- 
rors of war ! Lord, hasten the day of peace ! 

Reaching here one morning with my wife, I was 
called to preach the funeral of Sergeant O. P. Kil- 
man, of the 41st Ohio, who died from a wound in 
his breast. His poor, distressed wife was present, 
and bore her sorrow submissively, with the faith and 
fortitude of a Christian. Spoke from Rev. xiv. 13: 
"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from 
henceforth, for they rest from their labors, and their 
works do follow them." Many visitors, some of the 
nurses and a few soldiers were present. 

Another youth lay dead in the dead-room, and 
another lay dead in the third ward. Oh ! this fear- 
ful, cruel war ! When will it end ? May God hasten 
the time of the end ! 

Wife and I went through most of the wards, but 
became weary and felt sick. The scenes were too 



104 MILITARY IIOSPJTALS-GhORGE STREET. 

harrowing to describe or endure. Words seemed at 
times inadequate to reach the hearts or console the 
minds of these wounded soldiers. An old German 
said, "Christ is in my heart, " clapping his breast. 
He looked calm and peaceful, though emaciated. 

GEORGE STREET HOSPITAL. 

An awful spectacle ! One man had his nose shot 
off and his face disfigured. He died after a few days 
of suffering. Others were shot in the knee, arm, 
leg, head, side and breast Mr. Billings, a Congrega- 
tionalist, a very intelligent man, was on picket duty 
when the battle began. They were forewarned of this, 
but would not believe their danger. Thus thousands 
of men were sacrificed by this terrible battle of Shi- 
loh. But for the rapid movements and bravery of 
General Grant and our army, the result would have 
been far more disastrous. 

One young man, Howels, shot in the knee, was 
suffering awful pain, and his soul was a stranger to 
peace. As I pressed on him the importance of seek- 
ing Christ, he wept very freely. I prayed. After 
four days he died. 

A GREAT SUFFERER. 

One of the greatest sufferers was a tall, fine look- 
ing German. He was shot through both ankles by 
a minnie-ball. His cries of anguish were distressing. 
The pain and suffering were incessant. He lived 
about two weeks, and everything was done for him 
by the physicians, but he died. It was with diffi- 
culty we could impart to him the consolations of 



BATTLE 0* BULL'S RUN. 105 

religion. Grateful he always was, but his agony was 
distressing. 

Found two young men in a back room. One of 
them had been reading "Pilgrim's Progress." Quite 
cheerful, I asked whether he had ever been on that 
pilgrimage? He hoped he had. Was thinking of 
uniting with a Baptist church near his home, in 
Michigan, before leaving. He had found great com- 
fort in reading his Testament while in camp. He 
appeared to be an intelligent and pious youth. 
Whilst talking with him, a man in the next bed was 
intently listening; he was very sorrowful. On speak- 
ing with him, he said : 'Tm a great sinner, and have 
lived a wicked life." I told him of the Great Phy- 
sician, and urged him to look unto him and be saved. 
Repeated many of the promises and invitations of 
the gospel ; marked the verses in the Testament, 
read them and asked : "Will you come to Jesus?" 
He answered: "I will! I will!" Poor fellow! I 
trust he was saved. 

And so the visiting kept on in this and other Mili- 
tary Hospitals to the end of the war, when one after 
another these extra hospitals were abandoned. 

BATTLE OF BULL'S RUN JULY 20, I 86 1. 

Its effect on the nation was startling. The South- 
erners were emboldened, and President Lincoln's call 
for troops was responded to by overwhelming num- 
bers. At the time I had taken a brief respite to 
College Hill, Indiana, and was the guest of J. H. 
Tibbets, now of Kansas. In that quiet village of 
North Vernon, the clicking of the telegraph brought 



106 a SOLDIER BOY'S DEATH. 

the sad news. Every man's heart was troubled, faces 
turned pale; mothers who had sons in the army 
wept bitter tears. Whilst waiting in a house for the 
next train to the city, the father said: "I've four 
sons in the army, and I don't know whether they 
were in that battle or not. We must look to God in 
this dark hour of the nation's history." The mother, 
seated on a low rocking chair, wept and prayed in 
silence. I proposed to read the forty- sixth Psalm, 
"God is our refuge," etc. All listened to the pre- 
cious words, which were like balm to our wounded 
hearts. It seemed like the voice of an angel to cheer 
us in our distress. Then we sang that precious 
hymn — 

"O God, our help in ages past, 
Our hope for years to come ; 
Our shelter from the stormy blast, 
And our eternal home !" 

We all bowed down in prayer to the God of our 
fathers, who rules among the angels and guides 
nations in their extremities. Reaching the city, all 
was excitement. The patriotism displayed both by 
men and women was wonderful, and it continued to 
the end. 

A SOLDIER BOY'S DEATH— MAY IO, 1 862. 

Bro. Jones, pastor of the Welsh Church, took my 
arm one day and said: "Now, my brother, go 
with me and see a soldier boy who is about to 
die." So we went together. On a cot lay a pale- 
faced youth of sixteen, who had been shot in the 
thigh; a fearful wound, of which he died. Our con- 
versation took the following direction: "You are 



LINCOLN'S EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION. 107 

badly wounded ?" "Yes; and the physicians say I 
can not recover." "How do you feel about leaving 
the world?" "Perfectly happy! I am resigned to 
the will of God." "Then, I presume, you are a 
Christian?" "Yes, sir ; it is six years since I joined 
the church in La Crosse, Wisconsin. My parents 
live there, but I never expect to see them again." 
"Do they know of your sickness?" "Oh, yes; but 
they can not come. But I shall meet them in 
heaven." This youth spoke with the utmost calm- 
ness, just as one would speak of taking a journey to 
visit friends near and dear. After a few more days 
of suffering, which he bore without a murmur, he 
sweetly fell asleep in that Jesus he loved. 

A dying German refused to confess to the priest, 
or listen to his prayer, but eagerly listened to the 
truths of the gospel, as I directed him to Christ 
Jesus, as the only way to life and immortality. He 
nodded assent and grasped my hand firmly as I bade 
him farewell. He was supplied with a German Bible; 
others with English Testaments and Psalms. These 
were liberally furnished by the Young Men's Bible 
Society of Cincinnati. 

president Lincoln's emancipation proclamation, 

January I, 1863, was hailed by all good people. 
Though a military necessity, it freed some four mill- 
ion slaves from bondage. A significant turn of suc- 
cesses followed to the end of the war. The names 
of Grant, Sherman, Sheridan, and a host of others, 
will be had in lasting remembrance. Every right- 
minded man thanked the God of heaven for the 



108 MARTIAL LAW. 

ending of this terrible Civil War. Oh, may the day 
never come when there shall be another such a war. 
May the inhabitants of our goodly land submit to 
and serve the Prince of Peace. 

THE IOWA GREY-BEARDS. 

This regiment of venerable soldiers, composed of 
men from sixty to seventy-five years of age, was 
quartered for a time in the barracks on Sixth Street 
near Carr. All were volunteers, fine looking men, 
who always fully appreciated visits from the mission- 
ary and others. Cheerfully they performed the duty 
assigned to them. Many visits were made to them 
by our loyal citizens. 

MARTIAL LAW. 

July 13, 1863. — To day our city was again placed 
under martial law, on the occasion of the wild inroads 
of John Morgan. People were excited and alarmed, 
but not to the extent of the Kirby Smith affair. I 
was completely broken down in health, by reason of 
the continual visitation and other labors, one of 
which was supplying the Freeman Street Baptist 
Church, and collecting money for its renovation. 
Our efforts were successful — debts all paid, the house 
in good condition, and regular congregations. 

Our physician insisted that I must go to the Lakes 
So I started for Chicago, on a brief visit to my 
brother, James Emery, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I 
had to run the gauntlet of bayonets at every street 
corner; but for the presence of a dear friend and the 
doctor's certificate, it would not have been possible 
to reach the depot. Thanks to a merciful Providence, 



GENERAL SHERMAN'S MARCH TO THE SEA. 109 

I reached Chicago safely the next morning. My 
appetite returned with the lake breezes. The three 
weeks spent in Wisconsin were really invigorating. 
I gained in weight. My brother and his wife did all 
in their power for my benefit ; and a brief visit to 
Mr H. Spear's, at Fond du Lac, was thoroughly 
enjoyed. 

On returning home, the work was again prosecuted 
with vigor. The Elm Street Hospital was the last 
for the sick soldiers — one by one they left, until the 
place was entirely cleared. For a time, it was 
afterward occupied by women from the old Com- 
mercial Hospital, during the building of the new one. 
Our grand Music Hall now occupies this spot of 
blessed memories. 

GENERAL SHERMAN'S MARCH TO THE SEA, 

Under the providence of God, hastened the capture 
of Richmond. News of its fall reached us April 3, 
1865. The city was wild with excitement over this 
good news. People were intoxicated with joy. Our 
city was vocal with cannon, rifles, revolvers, pistols 
and martial music. Many persons uttered such 
words as ' ' God be praised ! Thank God for Generals 
Sherman and Grant!" Five thousand colored soldiers 
entered Richmond under Weitzel — a righteous retri- 
bution on a race of sinners and oppressors. 

Christian people, in their families, churches and 
prayer-meetings, gave thanks to God for these victo- 
ries. To him be all the glory ! " He maketh wars 
to cease to the ends of the earth." 



110 ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. 
END OF THE CIVIL WAR. 

The 14th day of April, 1865, will always be 
remembered as long as the nation endures. From 
early dawn till late at night our whole city was in an 
excitement of joy. At 6 a.m. bells sounded a joy- 
ous peal all over the city. Cannon boomed, an- 
nouncing the festivities of the day. Banners were 
everywhere displayed. The procession was miles in 
length, containing thousands of citizens. All hearts 
seemed happy that day. Illuminations at night were 
all but universal. But the festive day closed by that 
awful calamity, 

THE ASSASSINATION OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. 

This terrible news shocked the whole nation. Men 
were well nigh paralyzed. The blow was so sudden 
— just when people were in the highest joy they 
were plunged into deepest sorrow. Could it be 
true? The unwelcome truth came when Lincoln, 
our martyred President, breathed his last. The 
nation mourns! Emancipated millions weep over 
the death of their deliverer. 

People breathed more freely when Booth, the 
murderer, was put to death by the rifle of Boston 
Corbett. 

"The victory that day was turned into mourning 
unto all the people" was the theme of a discourse I 
delivered the next Sabbath in Freeman Street Baptist 
Church, which I was then supplying. A large and 
attentive audience listened. Many wept over the 
terrible end of so good and brave a President. Noth- 
ing else was talked about for many days. The 



A SSASS1NA TION OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. 1 1 1 

mourning badge was seen on the cottages of the poor 
as well as the houses of the rich. Over the whole 
people there came a strange fear, mingled with sor- 
row. Aged women in the Widows' Home spoke of 
it with feelings of deep sympathy. Poor men and 
women in the Infirmaries spoke of it, some in anger 
over the wicked perpetrator, others with forebodings 
of what was to come. 

That God who lias watched over our nation with 
paternal care ever since the landing of the Pilgrim 
Fathers did not forsake us in the hour when the 
nation staggered under the assassin's blow. He who 
guides the sparrow and wings the angel heard the 
prayers of millions of our people; so that the remark- 
able words of Garfield, in New York, himself a 
martyr some years later, were fulfilled — "The Al- 
mighty still rules and guides the nation ; and the 
Government at Washington still exists!" 

Gradually the excitement subsided. The old Ship 
of State went on her course, though she had received 
a stunning blow. Does it not become every citizen, 
of whatever name or nationality, whatever his con- 
dition, rich or poor, to remember that important 
truth in the word of God: " Righteousness exalteth 
a nation; but sin is the reproach of any people"? 
And also, "The nation which will not serve thee 
shall perish." God forbid the day should ever come 
when the nation shall forget God. Let every one 
seek to benefit his neighbor and live according to the 
teachings of the Scripture. May our lives be regu- 
lated by the Commandments of God and by Christ's 
Sermon on the Mount. "Happy is that people 
whose God is the Lord." 



CHAPTER III. 

CHOLERA TIMES. 



" Boast not thyself of to morrow ; for thou knowest 
not what a day may bring forth." "Whatsoever 
thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might ; for 
there is no work, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the 
grave whither thou goest." 

These truths of God's word should ever be borne in 
mind, more especially when an epidemic prevails — 
when men and women are cut down by death at 
short notice. 

This dreaded disease visited our city in July, 1866. 
Some cases appeared earlier, but most deaths oc- 
curred in July and August, and several in the following 
months, especially in October. Sanitary measures 
were pretty thoroughly enforced. As to its conta- 
giousness, physicians are divided. Plenty of instances 
could be quoted on both sides. Certain it is that 
nurses, doctors and missionaries, who waited on and 
visited persons dying of cholera, had not a symptom 
of the disease. Then again, two or three would die 
in the same house. Fear has much to do in the 
matter. Thrice blessed are they who can trust in 
God, in his protecting providence, at such times. 
His word declares, "He that dwelleth in the secret 

place of the Most High shall abide in the shadow 
(112, 



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CHOLERA TIMES. 113 

of the Almighty." Surely, they who dwell under 
his shadow are safe. Psalm xci. 

Thanks to our Heavenly Father, the contagion 
soon passed away. But there were many strange 
and sudden deaths. Some fourteen persons died on 
Richmond Street, one of the cleanest private avenues 
of the city; and, stranger still, in one of the dirtiest 
parts of the city — Sixth, east of Broadway — there 
were but few deaths. Such things are unaccountable. 
Following are some of the instances, written down 
as they occurred. 

DEATH OF A MINISTER. 

August 3, 1866. — From Cherry Grove, as I reached 
home, my wife told me Rev. P.W. Newman, pastor of 
Union Baptist Church, was dying of cholera. I went 
immediately and staid one hour and saw him breathe 
his last. He said to me: " I am perfectly happy. I 
am in the hand of God, body and soul. All is well; 
I leave my family with him." Soon after he lay 
breathing quietly, his hands clasped. Then, after a 
little, his eyes became fixed, as though looking into 
heaven. He never spoke another word. His dis- 
tressed wife tried to get a word, but he did not 
recognize her. Soon after he quietly fell asleep in 
Jesus. Brethren Troy, Simpson and a dozen church- 
members were present. We all kneeled down, and 
I led in prayer. His death was a great loss to the 
church and the community. 

August 4th. — A friend requested me to visit a 
dying man on Longworth Street — a cholera case. 
On reaching the house I found he had been dead 



114 CHOLERA TIMES. 

twenty minutes. His poor wife was deeply affected. 
The room in which he died was disinfected after his 
death. 

August 6th.— Mr. McCormick still lingers with 
cholera — unable to speak, hands and feet cold. I 
visited him twice and prayed. He died in the 
evening. I was called to officiate at his funeral. 

How strangely mysterious are the ways of Prov- 
idence! Are they not past finding out? Verily, 
"His way is in the sea, and his path in the great 
waters !" 

MIDNIGHT CALLS. 

During these sad days I was called a few times at 
midnight. Once by a man whose wife was dying 
with cholera. After a long and tedious walk we 
found the sufferer in the last stage of the disease ; 
hands and feet cold, and suffering otherwise. She 
was exceedingly anxious about her soul. We gave 
her the consolations of the gospel and prayed — re- 
mained till the moring — called again in the day, and 
at night she died. Both husband and wife, and 
friends expressed thanks for these visits. 

A similar case occurred on Third Street. A friend 
of the dying woman awakened me at midnight. She 
was also in the last stage of the disease. Eagerly 
she listened to the words of Jesus, "Him that cometh 
unto me, I will in no wise cast out." "Look unto 
me and be ye saved, all ye ends of the earth." Two 
more visits after this, and the sufferer died. 

Another call was responded to, of one who had 
been brought out of darkness into light. Distressed 
by the enemy of souls, she entreated me to pray God 



CHOLERA TIMES. 115 

to be merciful to her and save her. Prayer was heard 
in her behalf, and after some weeks of great suffer- 
ing she entered the everlasting rest. Her end was 
peace. 

Other calls have been made in other years upon 
persons nearing death. And is it not a real pleasure 
to impart comfort and consolation to the distressed ? 
Our blessed Master spared not himself for us, and 
surely we ought to be willing to spend and be spent 
for him ; in helping the distressed and sorrowful. 
He has said: "It is more blessed to give than to 
receive." 

a blasphemer's death. 

"All things come alike to all; there is one event to 
the righteous and to the wicked, to the clean and 
the unclean." — Ecclesiastcs. 

A very profane man, in these days of pestilence, 
frequently uttered fearful oaths about the cholera, 
and in the hearing of others said: "The Almighty 
ain't going to kill me with cholera. I'm not afraid 
of it." In perfect health, the same night, after a 
hearty supper, the dread disease seized him. He 
suffered terribly, medical aid failed to relieve him, 
and he died in great agony before the morning light. 
What a warning to transgressors ! ' 'Let all the earth 
keep silence before him ! Who can stay his hand, 
or say unto him, What doest thou ?" 

A wicked man, who had turned his daughter out 
of doors when she became a Christian, died in the 
night in fearful agony. His wife testified: "He is 
in the hands of God ; he did not utter a prayer ; his 
life was opposed to religion." 



116 CHOLERA TIMES. 

A mother of a large family, irreligious herself, and 
hindering her children, as far as she could, from fol- 
lowing Jesus, was suddenly seized with cholera and 
died after two days of great suffering. A sad warn- 
ing ! 

The following items are from our daily journal : 

August 8, 1866. — Mrs. H. died of cholera last even- 
ing, after only a few hours of illness. Undertakers 
were busy ; much confusion ; the few people present 
came late, and the poor woman, I fear, died in her 
sins. She was once a Sabbath scholar in the Baker 
Street Sunday-school. 

Widow W. died of cholera yesterday morning and 
was buried at 2 p. m. Sick only a few hours, then 
death. She was ready for the change. Her sorrows 
are now over. She had long been a faithful member 
of the Ninth Street Baptist Church. The deacons 
were present at the funeral. 

Commercial Hospital. Cholera Ward. — Here lay 
ten strong men, most of them in the agonies of 
death. What a spectacle of pestilence, and of God's 
judgment ! Only three could speak ; to these dying 
ones I presented Christ as the only Savior, and com- 
mitted them to God in prayer. Of these ten, seven 
died in a few hours, and others were brought in to 
fill their places. 

In the colored men's ward were four men lying 
sick with cholera. Read the Scriptures and prayed. 
Seven men asked me to remember them in prayer. 

August 10th. — Elm Street Hospital. — Six women 
down with cholera. Two had died since Tuesday. 
Prayed with these sufferers. 



CHOLERA TIMES. 117 

Commercial Hospital. — Ten cholera cases; three 
died to-day. Mr. H.'s wife was watching sorrowfully 
by his bed. Most of these died of this terrible dis* 
ease. Those suffering thanked me with tears. God 
be merciful to every one. 

August nth. — By request visited Mrs. D., whose 
oldest daughter had died of cholera. She was much 
distressed, and seemed unreconciled to her loss. 
After showing her the Lord's love to his people, 
"Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth," and many 
other precious promises, we bowed in prayer, when 
she seemed sweetly subdued, and invited me to call 
again. After casting her burden on the Lord, this 
lady found great comfort in the truths, "All things 
work together for good to them that love God," 
and, "He hath done all things well." 

MAKTNG LIGHT OF THE PESTILENCE. 

August 13th. — Had a talk with Dr. W. and a min- 
ister about the cholera Both spoke lightly of it as 
easily cured ; that people died from eating impru- 
dently. They showed me some infallible (?) medicine. 
Strange as it may seem, the minister's daughter was 
taken ill the same hour with cholera, and died at 
night. Read of her death in the next morning's 
paper with amazement. It will not do to trifle. 
"God is not mocked." 

August 14th. — Mr. J.'s sister died of cholera ; also 
a dear child, of the dread disease. Prayed with the 
family. 

Mr. T.'s brother died of cholera, after two days' 
sickness, happy in the Lord. He could say sincerely, 
"Thy will be done." 



118 CHOLERA TIMES. 

Prayed with cholera patients in both Hospitals, 
who all seemed thankful. Some died last night, 
others have come in. 

I attended the funeral of a beautiful boy of five 
years, son of Mr. D., who died of cholera after only 
a few hours of sickness. Some six persons have 
died in the vicinity of Ninth and Elm Streets, and 
many were still sick. The father and sister of this 
dear boy were too sick to go to the funeral. 

Mrs. V., and two infants, down with this terrible 
malady. Prayed with and comforted her. 

IT IS NOT THE FOOD WE EAT. 

Under date of August 16, 1866, are these inter- 
esting records : Made my usual visit to the City In- 
firmary and held the customary services. Not a 
single case of cholera was known among the hun- 
dreds of inmates. They enjoyed remarkably good 
health. They had freely used corn, new potatoes, 
cucumbers and melons, without the least harm. I 
also ate freely of these at dinner, with a thankful 
heart to the Giver of all mercies. 

Took tea with my dear brother T., in Wyoming, 
who expressed surprise at my eating corn and melons 
for dinner. They had destroyed their melons, and 
avoided other forbidden products. But we had a 
pleasant season of prayer and singing, and I staid 
until the next morning. 

EXTRACTS FROM DAILY JOURNAL. 

August 17th. — Reaching home, I was requested 
to attend Mrs. C.'s funeral, who died rather sud- 
denly of cholera. She had been a true Christian 
many years ; died in her eightieth year. 



CHOLERA TIMES. 119 

D. A. went with me to a Christian friend's, where 
lay the remains of Rev. Mr. Green, a Baptist min- 
ister, from Danville, Ky. On his way to Convention 
at Richmond, Va., he was taken sick and died. He 
left a wife and six children. Lord help them ! How 
uncertain is life ! 

August 18th. — A sad and busy day ; visited two 
Hospitals and attended three funerals. A lady went 
with me to Elm Street Hospital, where we found 
many sick women with cholera ; two had died the 
last night, several others were brought in. Read the 
word and offered prayer. 

* Commercial Hospital. — One man had died since my 
last visit, and others were brought in ; some five or 
six will recover. Exhorted all to look unto Jesus, 
and prayed. 

Attended the funeral of Mr. Cook's little boy at 
2 p. m. They were much distressed. There were 
only a few sympathizing friends present. Some 
people are fearful. 

Was hastily called to visit Miss V., dying with 
cholera; a schoolteacher. ' When I reached the 
house, she had been dead over an hour. Prayed 
with the distressed family, most of whom are grown 
people. 

The next funeral was at 3 p. m. at Mr. L. 's. A lady 
visiting her daughter, died of cholera. A few sym- 
pathizing friends were here, the rest were strangers. 
They hope she died a Christian. 

Old Sister Brown, concerned about the scourge, 
says: "It is God's chastisement." So think many 
of our best citizens. 



120 CHOLERA TIMES. 

Home for Friendless. — Held the usual services. 
Two inmates were down with cholera, their symp- 
toms favorable. Prayed with each of them. They 
expressed thanks. May the Lord save them. These 
are times of great affliction, sorrow and death. Thus 
far our family has been mercifully preserved. Oh, 
may our lives be more fully devoted to Christ Jesus. 

August 19th. — Attended the funeral of Mr. S. , 
who died a drunkard. How aw T ful ! Cholera came, 
and soon he fell a victim. At the funeral were only 
six persons. His wife was chief mourner. I did my 
best to warn them against living in sin. 

Attended the funeral of Mrs. V. last evening. She 
can not be buried till 7 A. m. to-morrow ; so held the 
funeral services at 4:30 p. m. The chief mourner 
was a little boy six years old, whom she had raised. 
How sadly he wept. May he say with David, 
"When my father and mother forsake me, then the 
Lord will take me up." 

Visited cholera patients in both Hospitals. One 
had died in each since my last visit. On reaching 
home was very weary, but was called to visit Mrs. 
K. on Linn Street — very sick with cholera, but ex- 
pressed a hope in Christ. Her soul very penitent, 
I think submissive to the will of God. She and her 
husband were very thankful for my visit. Called 
again at 9 p.m.; she was about the same. Five days 
afterward she died in the faith of Christ. 

August 20th, '66. — At 9 a.m. preached the funeral 
sermon of Mrs., E. who died of cholera. She was 
taken sick at 5 p.m. and died yesterday at 8 a.m. 
— fifteen hours of suffering, borne with Christian 



CHOLERA TIMES. 121 

resignation. She had lived a Christian life and died 
in peace. Her countenance betokened heavenly 
peace. Many friends of Ninth Street Church were 
present. These sudden deaths are solemn warnings. 

In the afternoon I attended the funeral of a little 
boy two years old. The parents were greatly dis- 
tressed — he was their only child. 

August 2 ist, Commercial Hospital. — Cholera is 
abating, thanks to our Heavenly Father. Most of 
the ten men now sick will, I think, recover. I read 
the word and prayed. Among the colored men, 
not one case of cholera. I read the word, sang and 
prayed — precious time. 

August 22d. — Attended the funeral of a Welshman 
who died of the cholera, I fear in his sins — not a 
member of any church. The wife and three sons* 
were deeply affected. She thanked me most em- 
phatically. 

Toward the end of the month the pestilence 
abated. Daily reports were published in the papers. 
This tended much to allay excitement. Better it is 
always to know the truth than to listen to wild, 
uncertain rumors. 

DEATH BY CHOLERA THROUGH FEAR. 

Rev. James Sargeant, a Baptist minister, was 
remarkably fearful about the cholera. He avoided 
it as much as possible, and was very nervous when 
the subject was mentioned. On his way to church 
at N., one Sabbath, he was told there was to be a 
funeral service there that morning. He inquired of 
what the man died. They said, "Of cholera." He 
was completely unnerved — turned away from the 



122 CHOLERA TIMES. 

church quite unable to perform the services. Became 
sick at once. Everything was done for his restoration, 
but he died in two weeks, of cholera, in the faith of 
that Jesus whom he had long preached. He was a 
man of rare piety and a faithful preacher, well known 
to the writer, and beloved by a large circle of people. 
His sickness and death were brought about by that 
something we call nervousness. A calm mind is a 
wondrous blessing, especially in cholera times. 

Dr. Lord, pastor of the Congregational Church on 
Seventh Street, was another of the six ministers who 
died of cholera. Perfect health and a robust constitu- 
tion prove no safeguard from the disease. 

It may be proper here to refer to a paragraph 
which went the rounds of the papers at this time, 
concerning the death of two men in Russia. They 
were both under sentence of death for murder. Phy- 
sicians were permitted to experiment upon them in 
this way: Two beds were brought from the hospital, 
on which men had died of the cholera. They were 
put into the cells of these men ; and neither of them 
knew that men had died on them. They slept 
comfortably on them without the least harm. After 
about a week these beds were exchanged for new 
ones on which man had never slept. They were 
told that men had died of cholera upon them. They 
were so alarmed that both became sick and died soon 
after, of cholera. Fear and dread of the disease so 
affected them that it produced the disease, then death. 

In the month of October the disease continued its 
ravages. Many deaths occurred among our promi- 
nent and useful citizens. Sometimes in localities 



CHOLERA TIMES. 123 

very clean and healthy. Many persons fled from the 
city, and some died in the country. 

October 8th, '66, Commercial Hospital. — Found 
many new patients among the colored men. Only 
a few of them could read. 

Cholera Ward. — Four new patients. Some in a 
collapsed condition. One man knew not how to 
pray, and said he was not ready to die. I directed 
him to Jesus and prayed. Two others could not 
speak. Poor fellows, I pity them. 

Toward the end of October the pestilence disap- 
peared, to the great relief of every one. The month 
of August was the most fatal. The deaths from chol- 
era in 1849 numbered over 6,000. This last visitation 
was very small compared with that of seventeen 
years before. We have reason to thank God that 
we have had no further visitations of this dreadful 
pestilence. 

Let no one say, from what has been written, that 
the writer undervalues sanitary measures. He 
heartily approves everything which helps humanity, 
especially that which prevents disease. That myself 
and family were wonderfully preserved from cholera 
through these trying months, is due to that God 
who has promised to protect those who trust in him. 
"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under 
his wings shalt thou trust." "There shall no evil 
befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy 
dwelling." And one of our poets has said: 

•'Plagues and death around me fly; 
Till he bids, I can not die ; 
Not a single shaft can hit, 
Till the God of love sees fit." 



CHAPTER IV. 

VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 



From fifteen hundred to two thousand visits have 
been made each year to all kinds of people. Some 
who have all the comforts of life, and lack nothing 
save health, welcome such visits. But by far the 
larger number of visits are to the poor, the sick, the 
aged and the blind. From ten to twenty aged and 
infirm women are on my list. These are visited every 
month. Consumptives and other sick persons are 
generally seen once a week. In many instances 
poverty as well as sickness are theirs. It is very 
pleasant to help such from the funds contributed by 
kind-hearted people. 

Among the first to contribute to this fund was my 
esteemed uncle, Mr. Thomas Emery, who was acci- 
dently killed by a fall, December 30, 1857. His sons 
have followed his example, and have been, and still 
are, the most liberal supporters of this mission. 
Over three hundred other persons have shown their 
hearty appreciation of this work of preaching the 
gospel to the poor, and ministering to their temporal 
necessities, by their contributions. 

Ladies of Springdale, connected with the Presby- 
terian Church, under Rev. W. H. James, have for 
(124 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 125 

the past twenty years made, with their own hands, 
garments for poor children of this city. These are 
distributed mostly to the children of widows, and 
they express their gratitude in emphatic words. 
Some of them say: "The clothes are better than 
money, for I'm busy all the week, I haven't time to 
make them." One said: "May God bless the ladies 
who make such nice clothes for my poor children." 
Some of these women are cripples, others have 
charge of a few of their grandchildren. All are grate- 
ful for this help, given in winter, just when poor 
people are straitened in many ways. 

Many other friends have helped in the same direc- 
tion, by sending clothing outgrown by their own 
families. No matter what it is, any size, shape or 
color, there are always found needy ones — not the 
beggar who comes to the door, but these poor people 
we visit in their homes. Our blessed Lord will say 
to some at the last day, "I was naked and ye clothed 
me." 

IMPOSTORS. 

In all large cities there are many of this class. 
They tell the most outrageous lies, and while they 
tell them, forget it is written, "He that speaketh 
lies shall perish." Some of them shed tears and tell 
most pitiful stories of distress, poverty and sickness ; 
all to gain contributions of money, goods, or gro- 
ceries, or clothing. Take the following instances : 

A lady of Mt. Auburn wrote, requesting me to 
visit a family in great distress. The applicant said : 
"My wife is sick, and the youngest child lies dead, and 



126 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

we've not got a cent to bury it, and there is nothing 
to eat in the house." The name of the man, the 
number of the house and street were given, but no 
such family lived there. This man, after imposing 
on this lady, and others on the hill, never returned 
after his case was investigated. He was an impostor. 

A little girl of ten years came to our door with a 
very pitiful story about her mother's sickness, and 
her father away, and nothing to eat. Doubting the 
truth, as soon as possible I went to see, and the 
mother was at work washing. Expressing my sur- 
prise, she coolly said: "I've been sick, but feel better 
now." This woman taught her child the art of 
begging. We discard all such impostors. 

An old impostor who has been tramping the 
streets these twenty years, soliciting alms, was very 
reluctant to tell his residence. He was found to 
possess two houses. His stories were very pitiful, 
and doubtless touched many hearts to whom he 
appealed for help. His visits extended to Clifton 
and Avondale. When, oh, when, will his wander- 
ings cease? Of course, we dismiss all such impos- 
tors with some good advice. "The love of money 
is the root of all evil." 

Again, we have found a few families, only a few, 
thank God, who are constitutional beggars, which 
practice has descended to the third generation. The 
habit is so strong, they seem unable to overcome it. 
They have a rooted objection to hard work. Then 
there are not a few tramps. A loaf of bread does 
not satisfy them, they want money with which to 
buy beer. Hundreds of loaves are given away to 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 127 

the needy poor from our home every year; but 
drinking men, and other strangers to us, often spurn 
a loaf of good bread. There are always enough 
people to relieve — such as are really unable to earn 
their bread, and who are grateful for assistance — 
without bestowing alms on the idle and dissipated. 

From the fifty-six thousand visits to families, during 
the past thirty-five years, only a few can be here 
referred to. All are instructive, and each one differ- 
ent from the others. 

a mechanic's sickness and death. 

A kind-hearted lady desired me to visit a carpenter, 
sick with consumption. He resided in a comfort- 
able house of his own, on Mt. Adams. Consump- 
tion was steadily bearing him down to the grave. His 
wife was always glad when I administered spiritual 
comfort to her husband. He was equally glad to 
listen to the gospel of Christ. His sickness lasted 
many months, and was borne with great patience. 
This man was hungering and thirsting after righteous 
ness. He had neglected his soul's welfare in health, 
but when his case was pronounced hopeless, he said : 
"Where am I going? Where after this life will be 
my dwelling-place? I am not ready to die." He 
cheerfully accepted Christ's invitations to come and 
find rest for his soul. He trusted in him-who is 
"mighty to save/' and was saved. He died, trusting 
him who died for his sins. 

At times, when walking this toilsome way, two 
miles from my home, when there were no street-cars, 
the thought would come: "What's the use of taking 
this long walk just to see one man? Is it not a waste 



128 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

of time?" Immediately another voice replied, I 
think it was the Spirit of God : ' 'Your Master traveled 
many weary miles for you. Often he was weary with 
his journey, and his feet were afterward nailed to the 
cross." And I said: " 'Tis enough, Lord; I'll go 
again." So these visits continued to the day of this 
man's death. At his funeral I did all I could to com- 
fort his wife and family, and to warn the thoughtless 
and indifferent of the consequences of neglecting this 
great salvation. 

FATHER COX, OVER ONE HUNDRED YEARS OLD. 

One of the happiest men I ever visited was old 
Father Cox. He lived in his own house on Elm 
Street, near Liberty. During my first visits, some thirty 
years ago, his wife was living ; she was over eighty 
years of age, very infirm. Nothing pleased this aged 
pair more than to hear the word of God and prayer, 
with singing. They were a happy couple, and for 
many years belonged to the Methodist Church. After 
a brief illness Mrs. Cox died, leaving her aged hus- 
band to mourn his loss. He preferred to live in his 
own house, and so remained for some years; lone- 
some, but always happy. Concerning all temporal 
things, his memory failed, but never on spiritual 
things. He would forget the names of his long-tried 
and true friends, but he never forgot that name 
which is above every name. The name of Jesus was 
written on his heart, it could not be erased. His 
Book of Psalms, and Testament, and Methodist 
Hymn-book, were always on the table. These he 
would read every day. 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 129 

Entering his room one day, I said cheerily: "Well, 
Father Cox, how are you to-day?" "Thank God, I'm 
as well as usual; nothing to complain of." ' 'Don't 
you at times feel lonesome?'' "Not very; I've 
always my Bible and Hymn-book, and I can draw 
nigh to God in prayer. The neighbors come in now 
and then." "Suppose death should come in some 
day, what would you say?" Without a moment's 
hesitation, the age I man replied: "I'd say, Come, 
welcome death, I'll gladly go with thee!" "Then 
you feel ready to die?" "Yes, indeed; a»y day the 
Lord sees fit, I'm ready to meet him." "You seem 
to be a happy man?" "Indeed, I am; why shouldn't 
I be? I have Jesus here every day, and I love to 
pray to him. I know he's forgiven all my sins, and 
I shall soon be with him." 

This venerable man continued in this happy frame 
of mind to the end of his life. He could say with 
Paul: "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, 
where is thy victory?" . Like all the sons of men, he 
died; but he came down to the valley of death with 
smiles on his face, rejoicing in Christ Jesus. Friends 
and neighbors were always kind to this servant of 
God, and willingly helped him. His scanty income 
was found enough to satisfy his wants. He died in 
peace. 

AN AFFLICTED GERMAN FAMILY. 

Mrs. R. was left a widow with four daughters, 
three of whom were afflicted with some spinal or 
rheumatic disease, which rendered them incapable of 
using their limbs. One daughter, Julia, kept her 



130 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

bed for twenty-two years ; unable to rise or feed her- 
self. The other two were quite helpless, but could 
sit in easy chairs. The other daughter was married 
and had a large family. Three daughters died. Then 
the aged mother and Sarah, the youngest, went to the 
City Infirmary four years ago. There the mother 
died, and only Sarah remains, unable to rise from her 
chair or bed, but is kindly cared for in that institu- 
tion. She is waiting, sometimes longing, to depart 
and be with Christ, which is far better. She enjoys 
the religious services. 

Of all the families I have visited, this one had the 
longest continual affliction of any. The dear mother 
must have had the patience of Job. Often has she 
said, with tears: "But for the grace of God, I couldn't 
stand it. I'm sure I should go crazy, my troubles 
are so great." She was a prayerful Christian, a dili- 
gent reader of the Bible. Her house was the picture 
of neatness. But affliction and disasters occurred, the 
mortgage closed, the house was sold, poverty came, 
and then with great" reluctance, under my earnest 
advice, she removed to the Infirmary. Here she 
watched over Sarah a few years, and then died peace- 
fully in Jesus. 

The married daughter, a hard-working woman, 
through a cold and overwork, had the typhoid fever, 
and in a few days died. Most of her children were 
old enough to earn their living. Annie, the oldest, 
lived with us a year, and a better or more industrious 
girl it would be hard to find. May God bless them. 
May they meet their relatives in heaven. 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 131 

"Let not ambition mock their useful toil, 
Their homely 4 oys, and destiny obscure ; 
Nor grandeur hear with a disdainful smile, 
The short and simple annals of the poor." 

— Gray. 

It may seem strange, it is nevertheless true, that 
there are a few families who have suffered both pov- 
erty and sickness over thirty years. Read the fol- 
lowing : 

HAPPY AT NINETY-SEVEN YEARS. 

Mrs. D., a pious Scotch woman, has reached that 
age. During the past thirty years she has suffered 
pains in her limbs, confining her to the single room 
inhabited by herself and faithful daughter, a widow, 
who has never left her mother. "Janet is a real good 
girl, I would not know what to do without her!" she 
has often said with great emphasis. 

In my earliest perambulations I found them, the 
aged saint an invalid, and the daughter doing a little 
to earn her living. These visits have continued ever 
since. Her Bible lies constantly before her, and she 
reads it daily. Few books in the city are so con- 
stantly used. She reads the Christian Press, which 
I leave her every month, and she is a great admirer 
of Spurgeon and reads all his sermons. During her 
last years my deceased wife read to her Spurgeon's 
sermons on Sabbath afternoons, and to others who, 
like her, were aged and infirm. Part of her time is 
spent in knitting socks, gloves and baby shoes, and 
so her days pass away. Always glad to hear the 
voice of singing and prayer. She expects to see her 
one hundredth birthday. Her voice is firm, her 



132 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

sight good, and she possesses a strong constitution. 
God bless her! May her end be peace ! 

Another aged widow, Mrs. K., we have known 
since 1852. When sickness enters her family, she 
invariably sends word, that I may administer consola- 
tion. Of quite a large family only one grandson 
remains, and he is a faithful, industrious young man. 
Converted under Sam Jones' preaching, he is a mem- 
ber of a Baptist church. The aged widow's son, 
John, died many years ago ; then Emma, with slow 
consumption ; and last year Lizzie, her only remain- 
ing child, died. For many years she was the main 
support of the family, working at bookbinding. For 
two years she was sick at home, all the time hoping 
to recover for her mother's sake. Physicians were 
very kind to wait on this afflicted one. Their reward 
will come by and by. The mother's health failed, 
and both were sick. We secured a woman to nurse 
them, and paid her four weeks, until the mother 
could resume the nursing. These were truly trying 
times. But the promise of God held true, "As thy 
days, so shall thy strength be." 

A few other friends showed kindness in these days 
of affliction. The son of the dying woman worked 
faithfully, except once, when the men were on a 
strike, his wages stopped. The time came when his 
mother must die. An urgent message came from 
the dying woman. She requested us to sing her 
favorite hymn — 

"Lord, I care not for riches, 
For silver or gold ; 
I would make sure of heaven, 
I would enter the fold." 



VISITATIONS 10 FAMILIES. 133 

Singing this hymn afforded her much comfort. She 
exclaimed aloud as we sang it. The last prayer was 
offered, and the farewell taken. She expressed the 
hope of meeting us all in heaven, through Christ 
Jesus, whom she believed, and so passed away. 

A DYING POLICEMAN. 

Sickness, then poverty, overtook this man and his 
family. On hearing of the case, I visited them, and 
often relieved their temporal wants. "Bread and 
the gospel go well together." So the word of God 
was read from time to time, and the sick man became 
interested in his soul's welfare. After one of these 
visits, his wife, on returning to the room, heard the 
voice of her husband, and thought some one was 
there. She listened and found he was praying to God 
for mercy. This touched her heart, she wept tears 
of joy. She had never before heard him pray. He 
continued reading the word, and prayed for recovery. 
His prayer was heard. He joined a Methodist church. 
After some months sickness again returned, and after 
many weeks of suffering he died, trusting that Jesus 
who died for sinners. 

During the last visits he invariably requested me 
to sing his favorite hymn — 

"The Great Physician now is near, 
The sympathizing Jesus ; 
He speaks the troubled heart to cheer ; 
Oh, hear the voice of Jesus!" 

So long as he had strength, he would sing this and 
other hymns. He was decently interred by his 



134 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

police friends. His widow placed the youngest boy 
in the Soldiers' Orphans' Home, at Xenia, and the 
oldest boy on a farm. How death breaks up homes 
and scatters families ! 

The following instances will be read with interest. 
They occurred in 1854. 

AN AWFUL DEATH. 

Lucinda, died in her nineteenth year, 1854. In- 
different entirely to the claims and pleasures of 
religion, she sought happiness among the gay and 
thoughtless. And oh, such a death ! In her dying 
moments, while the cold sweat of death was upon 
her, she cried for the mercy she had despised during 
health, and vigor. Unprepared to die ! Death said, 
"Come! You must come!" Will our young people 
be warned by these sad memoirs? or will they still 
go on in their pleasures, heedless alike of the joys of 
heaven and the miseries of hell? How long will 
they postpone the work of repentance? Young has 
truly said : 

"Procrastination is the thief of time: 

Year after year it steals, till all are fled, 

And, to the mercies of a moment, leaves 

The vast concerns of an eternal scene. 

If not so frequent, would not this be strange ? 

That 'tis so frequent, this is stranger still." 

'Twould be easy to furnish very many more sad 
instances of death-bed scenes. While many have 
died without hope, others have died in the full hope 
of the gospel. Some have gently fallen asleep in 
Jesus, others have died in triumph. 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 135 

A HAPPY DEATH. 

Mary S. was one of our first scholars in Cutter 
Street Sabbath school. During her long affliction — 
pining away with consumption — she seemed grad- 
ually preparing for eternity. Precious were these 
seasons, spent in comforting her soul with the conso- 
lations of the gospel. For many reasons she desired 
life; for others she desired to depart and be with 
Christ, which is far better. Her view of salvation, 
and her hope in its blessings were clear and well 
grounded. One bright Sabbath afternoon, six of 
her classmates accompanied me to the sick-room. 
We had not been there long before their tears of 
affection blended with hers. With some difficulty, 
we sang one of her favorite hymns : 

''There is a land of pure delight, 
Where saints immortal reign," 

and, having read a portion of the precious word, 
commended her and her schoolmates to the merciful 
Redeemer. 

On the last day of her life she seemed more 
cheerful than usual — cheerful in the prospect of a 
brighter world. All fear of death was entirely 
removed. It had given place to that blessed hope 
which is filled with immortality. While reading 
that verse, ''Oh, if my Lord would come and meet," 
her face was radiant with smiles, but the next verse 
affected her more deeply: 

"Jesus can make a dying bed 

Feel soft as downy pillows are ; 
While on his breast I lean my head, 
And breathe my life out sweetly there." 



136 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

She exclaimed, "Oh, that is beautiful! Please read 
it again !" After this I commended her to that 
Savior in whom she believed. In the evening of the 
same day her spirit was released. Thus she fell 
asleep in Jesus. 

ANOTHER HAPPY DEATH. 

In May last, died Frances R., of consumption. 
She had been sick of this insidious disease for about 
a year. Anxious to live, not for her sake alone, but 
for a beloved widowed mother, she hoped even 
against hope that her days would be prolonged. 
Her desire to aid her mother was truly praiseworthy. 
Often when unable to sit up, she was sewing in bed. 
Her hope rested on the Rock of Ages. Before the 
hour of parting came she said: "I am not afraid to 
die; I know whom I have believed." 

PLUCKED FROM THE BURNING. 

Almost despairing and nigh to death was a young 
woman who had, six years before, joined the Meth- 
odist Church. On speaking to her of the mercy and 
grace of God, and how he would pardon returning 
sinners, with a look of inexpressible anguish she 
said, "It's too late now!" This caused her aged 
mother and friends to weep bitterly. After reading 
the word, and prayer, I left with a saddened heart. 
Some days after this, while reading to her of the 
love of Christ, she exclaimed: "Oh! I do love him! 
Blessed Savior, he is all my trust ! To think I should 
ever leave him, how wicked ! But oh ! how kind he 
has been to me, not to cut me off I do love him ! 
Oh, yes, I do!" This holy joy continued with her 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 137 

until health was restored, when she returned to the 
fold of the Good Shepherd. 

DEATH FROM STARVATION AND DISSIPATION. 

One Sabbath evening, after a hard day's labor, dur- 
ing the severe frost in January, I was desired to visit a 
dying woman on Gas Alley, one of the most degraded 
sections of our city. On entering the dismal room, 
a dim candle revealed six or seven colored people, 
nearly intoxicated. On a scantily furnished bed lay 
the wife of the occupant, who appeared to be past 
medical aid, and had quite lost the power of speech. 
On proposing to read and pray, they consented. 
There was not a chair in the room, but an old box 
formed the only seat. The only window in the room 
was left open to let out the smoke, but it let in the 
strong odor from the Gas House and the sharp 
breath of winter. During prayer the dying woman 
wept, but spoke not one word. I left money 
with a friend, and an order for food on the Relief 
Union. I then gave a solemn warning to all to give 
up liquor, which was hurrying them all to perdition. 
Soon after my departure, and the other friends left, 
all these wretched people went off drinking, and 
in the morning the woman was found frozen to 
death ! Her own husband had left her to die alone ! 

Much has been said and written about this case 
which is incorrect. These are the facts. The 
woman who died had long been a victim of intem- 
perance, and told those around her that her soul was 
lost. She was going to hell. Thus she died. "The 
way of the transgressor is hard." 



138 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

AGED AND POOR. 

An aged Christian widow dwells in a very 
small room ten feet square, with a daughter, also a 
widow, and very infirm. The elder woman is near 
eighty. It was w T ith peculiar joy she received from 
me, two years ago, a New Testament, with Psalms, 
large type, which she reads daily. With these two 
poor children of God, I occasionally spent a most 
precious half hour. On asking the daughter, on my 
last visit, how they passed the winter, she said: 
"Just middling ; sometimes we had enough to eat, 
and sometimes we did not; but the Lord has been 
mighty good, we've been always able to keep a fire." 
Living in obscurity and poverty, these poor disciples 
shall be acknowledged in the day when God numbers 
his jewels. 

Mrs. A. had been left a widow about two years. 
She labored hard to supply the wants of three small 
children. Dying suddenly with cholera, she ex- 
pressed great anxiety for her children. After the 
funeral of this poor widow, who, I trust, died in the 
Lord, the children were placed in the Orphan 
Asylum. Two of them are still there, and the oldest 
in a family doing well. Their mother's last prayer 
was that the children might love and fear God. 

Mrs. A. had a long time waited for some evidence 
that her sins were forgiven. In visiting her, I urged 
the necessity of yielding her soul to Christ — giving 
up all for him. She promised to pray over this 
matter and read the will of Christ. After diligent 
study of the word and prayer, she was enabled to 
rejoice in Christ Jesus as her Savior. 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 139 

DEATH OF A KIND FATHER AN ENGLISHMAN. 

Mr. G., by industrious habits and economy, accu- 
mulated a snug little sum of money with which he 
intended to purchase a house for his family, consist- 
ing of a wife and five girls. The money was placed 
in the Trust Company Bank, which failed, and all 
was lost. This was a terrible blow. The father, soon 
after, was taken sick with some throat disease, of 
which he died. These were dark days and trying 
times. My visits continued for some months. Kind 
friends and neighbors cheerfully helped them. 
When unable to speak, a slate was kept by his bed, 
on which questions were written and answered, such 
as these: "Is Christ precious?" "Yes, indeed; he is 
all my trust." " Have you peace of mind?" "Thank 
God, I have. " " How about leaving the world ?" "I 
can say with David, ' Though I walk through the 
valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, 
for thou art with me/ ' "Yes, for the Christian to 
die is gain. How about your family?" "I commit 
them all to God, and hope they will meet me in 
heaven." 

His wife was deeply affected by these conversa- 
tions, but she was always cheered, that her husband 
could meet death with calm trust in Christ. The 
end came. Calmly he yielded up his spirit to God. 

A few days before his death, the wife followed me 
to the gate, weeping, and said: " What am I to do 
when he dies? I haven't a dollar to bury him." 
"Oh, never mind about that ; we will see to it. Now 
won't you pray to God to help you through these 
trials, and bring up your children to love and serve 



140 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

him?" "I'm not a Christian." "But you must 
pray. God will hear and help you, for he has 
promised this in his word." And so it came to pass. 
He who promises to be the God of the widow and 
the Father of the fatherless, heard and answered her 
prayers. The funeral took place from the house. 
All was neatly done, and all expenses paid by friends 
of the family. Joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain 
were intermixed that day. Tears expressed both. 

After their father's death, the oldest girl was sent 
to learn a trade ; another was taken by a kind lady ; 
the two youngest were kept at school. Every one 
grew up to fear the Lord and keep his command- 
ments. They were all much respected in their vari- 
ous spheres. Some eight years after her father's 
death, that insidious disease, consumption, overtook 
Martha. During the long, weary months of suffering 
it was my lot to minister to her. She died in peace. 

The others married good, industrious men; one of 
them a minister. They are scattered in various 
directions, but we hope mother and children will all 
meet that dear father in heaven. I bless God for 
being permitted to minister to such as these in the 
hour of their sorrow. 

A PROFANE MAN'S CONVERSION. 

"Is anything too hard for the Lord?" was a ques- 
tion asked in olden time. Our Lord has said : "With 
God all things are possible," and, "All things are 
possible to him that believeth." We know he can 
convert a Saul of Tarsus, a Jailer, a Newton and a 
Bunyan. So he can convert the wickedest sinner in 
our midst. 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 141 

We became acquainted with this family in 1856. 
The father was an illiterate man. He did not drink, 
but was awfully profane, and discouraged every sem- 
blance of religion in his family, who were growing up 
without God and without hope in the world. The 
mother often came to our house for words of sym- 
pathy and instruction ; joined us occasionally in family 
prayer. We proposed to have a little prayer-meeting 
in her house. She gladly seconded it. She called her 
neighbors. Her husband refused to come in, but 
retired upstairs. After reading and prayer, we 
sang — 

"Show pity, Lord ! O Lord, forgive ! 
Let a repenting rebel live." 

This man's wife was deeply affected, even to tears, 
and sank down on her knees and prayed. The devil 
seemed to enter her husband, who came down and 
dragged his wife from the meeting and slammed the 
door. We kept up the services for another half-hour, 
praying especially for this man's conversion. For 
some time he was hardened and wicked. He said to 
his wife : "If Emery ever comes in my house again, 
I'll shoot him !" His wife brought the message. I 
went in two or three times after, but he did not 
shoot. 

Some few weeks after this he sent for me to pray 
for him. He was trembling from head to foot, and 
said: "Can you pray for such a wicked sinner as I 
am?" "Certainly I can, and may God forgive you 
and give you a clean heart and a right spirit." He 
sank upon his knees, and his wife and oldest girl 
were present. He sobbed aloud all the time during 



142 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

prayer. He prayed himself, amid sobs and tears, and 
became a new man; a new creature in Christ Jesus. 
He united with a Methodist church and prayed in 
his family. From this time until his death he 
maintained a Christian character. His wife united 
with the same church after I baptized her. Oh, what 
a change was wrought in this family ! They were 
turned from darkness to light, from the power of 
Satan unto God. 

Several years later this man was thrown from a 
wagon and severely injured, from which injuries he 
died. On his death-bed he spoke to me of his nar- 
row escape from hell. He magnified the grace of 
God, which saved him. He wept over his former 
wickedness, but was pardoned through Christ. Quite 
ready to die, his last words were spoken to his family, 
whom he commended to God. 

A few years later one of his sons died. He ex- 
pressed a hope that Christ would save him. After 
these things the mother bade us good-by, with tears 
and many thanks for what had been done for her 
and the family. She removed many miles from the 
city to live with a son. 

"Wonders of grace to God belong, 
Repeat his mercies in your song." 

A BACKSLIDER. 

Visiting a widow, past the middle of life, an old 
acquaintance, she expressed pleasure at my visits. 
On asking, "How is it with your soul?" she said : 
"I know I don't live as I ought to ; I used to belong 
to a Methodist church years ago, but I haven't been 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 143 

for a long time." "And why?" "Because I can't 
fix to go." "Do you think God will accept that as 
a reason at the last day?" "Perhaps not." "Then 
you will be speechless." Here she wept, and was 
fully convinced she was living in sin. I expressed 
sorrow that she set such a poor example to her chil- 
dren. She promised again to seek the mercy of God. 
It is hoped this visit, and others which followed, 
brought back the wanderer. 

AN ICE-BOUND RIVER — FEBRUARY, I 855 . 

For more than four weeks our river was closed. 
The cold was so severe that four-horse teams crossed 
on the solid ice, and many slaves escaped from slav- 
ery and fled to Canada ; others were caught and im- 
prisoned, then sent back to bondage. Among the 
latter was Margaret Garner, who slew her child to 
prevent its return to bondage. This long-continued 
cold weather threw many people out of work, and 
the poverty and distress tested all our benevolent 
institutions. The Relief Union did a noble work, 
the Bethel its share, the missionaries theirs, and the 
city authorities had to multiply their donations. A 
short supply of coal added to the distress. It was 
sold for fifty cents a bushel, and difficult to obtain at 
that price. It seemed as though very few people 
had laid in coal for the winter. Ours gave out, 
and like others of my neighbors, I hired an express 
wagon and went down to the river, and after paying 
for twelve bushels, the driver and I helped push the 
load up the river bank. The City Council, under 
the earnest pleadings of Benjamin Eggleston and 



144 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

others, came forward for the relief of our citizens. 
Railroads brought in some. But when the thaw came, 
with a full river, people were well pleased. God for- 
bid we should ever see another fuel famine. 

A few items of interest, which occurred in these 
trying times, may interest the reader: 

THREE WIDOWS IN A COTTAGE. 

Mrs. L. was nursing her grandchild, only a few 
weeks old, its mother sick in bed, the father having 
deserted them both, and was gone to his parents. 
How unnatural ! Poor creatures, both seemed strangers 
to pure religion. Waters of a full cup were wrung out 
to them. After comforting their souls with the 
promises of God, I commended them to him in earn- 
est prayer, and gave her material relief. 

In the same house, in another room, lived a widow 
with four children. They were suffering for the 
necessaries of life. The mother had an affection of the 
lungs, yet was obliged to toil for daily bread. These 
I relieved and tried to comfort with the promises of 
the gospel of Christ. 

Mrs. W. was almost as degraded as the colored 
people, her neighbors. Her children quite as dirty, 
and her room as wretched. The hydrant was frozen. 
Gabriel, a young man who had attended meetings, 
said: "I can't come every night, for I play for 
parties." "Get your living by that method?" "I 
ain't strong enough for work." "Young man, you 
should remember Christ's words, 'Seek ye first the 
kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these 
things shall be added to you.'" He promised to 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 145 

come to the meetings when he could, but not to give 
up playing for parties. 

FIVE YEARS OF SICKNESS. 

Living in a frame house, in a back street, Mr. T. 
passed the last years of his life. He worked at his 
trade and enjoyed God's blessing every day. God's 
word was precious to him. He never complained of 
his hard lot, but blessed God daily for all his mercies. 
He died in perfect peace and tranquillity. A week 
before I visited him for the last time, he said: "Bro. 
Emery, you must excuse me, I can't kneel down." 
Remarkable for his humble spirit, though afflicted 
with sickness and poverty for five years. At his 
funeral the house was crowded with people. Bro. 
Franklin, his pastor, spoke tenderly and prayed for 
the family. I followed, praying that the grace of 
God would sustain the widow, and that the children 
might follow their father's example. 

END OF AN AGED CHRISTIAN. 

My old friend Harpham kept a small second-hand 
bookstore, by which he earned his living. He taught 
a class of boys in the Union Baptist Sunday-school. 
He won the affection of the lads by constantly making 
presents of pictures, cards and books. He was a 
sincere, humble Christian, loving to do good to all in 
distress. He expressed perfect trust in that Christ 
whom he had believed, and so departed. 

Widow Wilson, colored, grasped my hand heartily, 

saying: "How do you do? I'm glad to see you. 

Take a seat by the fire. " Inquiring after her welfare, 
10 



146 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

she said: "It's been a pretty hard winter, but bless 
God, we've always had something to eat." "What 
do you eat?" "The cheapest we can find in market." 
"Do you eat mush?" Her face brightened at the 
mention of it, as she said: "I'm mighty fond of 
mush ; it's cheap, and I often make it." "Will a bag 
of meal be useful?" "Indeed, it would be very 
acceptable." "Then you shall have one. " "I'm a 
thousand times obliged to you." We closed with 
prayer. 

During these trying times, with a frozen river and 
scarcity of fuel, there was abundant opportunity to 
help the poor to food and clothing, and they received 
it gladly, thanking God and the donors. The follow- 
ing incident gives another phase of a missionary's 
work: 

Mrs M. had been deeply afflicted and requested 
my visits. Her little girl was with her at this time. 
She said: "To think I should live thirty years with- 
out religion, it grieves me." "You feel that was all 
wrong?" "Indeed, I do; what shall I do?" "You 
must cast yourself at the feet of Jesus. " "I want to, 
but there are too many obstacles; it seems as if I 
can't do what I ought. " ' 'You find then a law warring 
against the law of your mind?" "Indeed, I do!" 
Read to her part of Romans seventh and eight chap- 
ters. These precious words I commended to her. 
"I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord." As 
I read these Scriptures, she said: "I do desire mercy 
through Christ; I know I'm guilty, but hope to be 
forgiven." I prayed, and urged her to read the word 
and trust in Christ. 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 147 

A SKEPTICAL WOMAN. 

Called on Mrs. T. and found her quite skeptical. 
She hooted at the idea of hell and the judgment-day; 
yet Christ has clearly taught it. It was painful 
to hear her speak of the blessed Son of God who 
died for sinners. Boasted of having been blessed 
with a pious mother, but alas ! how far she wandered 
in the paths of wickedness, yet disliked to be reck- 
oned an unbeliever ; but turned every way, admitting, 
then denying. Her mind was completely off the bal- 
ance ; like a ship out at sea without captain, chart or 
rudder, driven of fierce winds. She boasted of her 
goodness and morality, yet refused to believe in him 
who came to seek and to save that which was lost. 



CHAPTEK V. 

TENT MEETINGS— 1856. 



THE UNION TENT. 

It is quite pleasant to turn from the abodes of sick- 
ness, sorrow, poverty and vice, to the delightful 
meetings held in that spacious tent, erected by the 
benevolence of Christian men, on the Orphan Asy- 
lum lot, where now stands our splendid Music Hall. 
It was designed to promote religion among all classes 
of people, and quite undenominational in its character. 
Meetings were held every evening in the week, and 
three times on the Sabbath. Preaching in German, 
once or twice a week, from July to the close. By the 
Tent Committee I was employed to canvass for chil- 
dren and people to attend the meetings. The first 
hour was a children's meeting, attended by from 
one to five hundred childen. These meetings were 
exceedingly interesting and profitable for the chil- 
dren. The finding of suitable speakers and leading 
the singing rested chiefly on me. It was delightful, 
but very wearying. 

The first meeting is thus described in my journal: 
July 17, 1858. — Canvassed for children for the 

meetings in the tent. Though the afternoon (Satur- 

(148) 



TENT 3IEETINGS. 149 

day) was wet, there were present nearly one thousand 
persons, most of them children. They were addressed 
by brethren Searle, G. F. Davis, Chidlaw and H. T. 
Miller ; I read the twelfth chapter of Ecclesiastes ; Vic- 
tor Williams led the singing. It was a most blessed 
meeting; it can not be in vain. A rain-storm length- 
ened the services. 

The rain hindered many from coming to the even- 
ing meeting, yet there were present nearly one 
hundred and fifty persons and forty children. Bro. 
Maltby and I talked and prayed. 

The first Sabbath services are thus recorded : 

July 1 8th. — Prayer-meeting in the tent at 8 a. m. ; 
over one hundred persons present. It was a solemn, 
interesting service. Brethren Chamberlain, Miller 
and myself took part. We felt the presence of 
Christ. 

Tent at 4:30 p. m. — Quite a number of children 
gathered, and we began singing and speaking to 
them. A large congregation soon gathered and Dr. 
Nelson preached, Rev. Mr. Sehan spoke, Dr. Colver 
prayed, and others took part in the services. 

Dr. Colver preached an impressive sermon in the 
evening on the duty of searching the Scriptures. 
"The Bereans were more noble," etc. Thus closed 
the first Sabbath meetings in the tent. Others which 
followed were much like it. On Sabbaths were 
present from fifteen hundred to two thousand people. 
There was always good order, and hundreds of peo- 
ple heard the word of God who do not attend any of 
our churches. Every one who took part was blessed, 
and quite a number were converted. We ought to 



150 TENT MEETINGS. 

have such a tent and such meetings every summer. 
In the large Eastern cities they hold such meetings 
every year. The late Dr. Tyng was most interested 
in these tent services. Shall we have them here 
again ? 

Every one interested in this series of meetings, 
regretted to see them close, but the chilly nights 
rendered it necessary. So the last meeting was held 
September 28, 1858, and it is thus described in the 
Evening Times, which gave full reports daily: 

About twelve hundred people assembled last even- 
ing to witness the closing services. It was a meet- 
ing of great power and affecting interest. Over two 
hundred children sang their sweet melodies and lis- 
tened to the parting words of the Tent Missionary, 
closing with their favorite song: 

"Say, children, shall I meet you 
On Canaan's happy shore ?" 

Many a little one wept when told this was the last 
meeting of this season. Before the children were 
gone, several hundred of earnest-looking men and 
women were in the tent, and soon the platform and 
seats were filled. After singing "Am I a soldier of 
the Cross?" Hon. Bellamy Storer read part of the 
last chapter in Revelations, and made a short address, 
urging each one who spoke or prayed, to occupy 
only five minutes. There were ten addresses, four 
prayers made, and six hymns sung, and a more 
deeply interesting meeting has not been held there 
the whole season. We give a brief outline of each 
speaker's theme : 



TENT MEETINGS. 151 

Hon. N. G. Pendleton said: "What is the great 
truth of our religion ? It is contained in these words, 
'Man has sinned, Christ has died.' Sin is a dis- 
ease — truth the remedy. The gospel is truth. The 
remedy must be taken, or man must die of this dis- 
ease; take the remedy and you shall be cured; 
heaven shall then be your home. Never forget it, 
this remedy is infallible. Hear the words of the 
Great Founder of Christianity: 'Let not your heart 
be troubled; ye believe in God, believe also in me; 
in my Father's house are many mansions.' ' 

"Come, thou Fount of every blessing" was sung 
by all the people. 

A petition was handed in that prayer should be 
offered for a young man on a sick-bed, who has no 
hope of heaven. Mr. Wm. T. Perkins prayed fer- 
vently. 

Prof. Sayler then said : "Nothing is so wonderful in 
this world as that a man should be indifferent to his 
eternal interests. Most men live in the midst of 
warnings, and yet are indifferent whether they are 
going to heaven or to hell. Nothing ought to fill 
us with shame so much as that men are rushing 
through life with their coffins and graves in sight, 
perfectly indifferent of what shall be their eternal 
doom." He then graphically described the burning 
of the Austria at sea. "The merchant was there w r ith 
his treasures; the emigrant was there, expecting to 
find a home in the Far West; the wanderer was 
there, longing to get home to his friends. That 
vessel was full of life, joy and glee, when all of a 
sudden the cry of 'Fire! Fire!' is raised. The 



152 TENT MEETINGS. 

devouring element spreads — hundreds sink to a 
watery grave ! Is not this a sad picture of how heed- 
lessly men live on the very verge of eternity? Listen 
to the gospel: 'Ho! everyone that thirsteth, come 
ye to the waters. Seek firs't the kingdom of God 
and his righteousness. Believe on the Lord jesus 
Christ and ye shall be'saved.' Then come life, come 
death, come disaster, scorn, come weal or woe, all 
shall be well. Heaven shall be yours." 

Mr. H. T. Miller then led off and sang, "Out on 
the ocean — we're homeward bound." 

Mr. J. Beggs said: "A host of thoughts are rush- 
ing through my mind. The wise man says, 'Better 
is the end of a thing than the beginning.' God 
grant that the end of this tent may be better than the 
beginning. When I think of this tent being taken 
down and folded up, I can't help thinking of that 
time when this earth shall be wrapped up like a 
scroll, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat. 
There are but two classes here to-night ! Every one 
of us shall either hear the welcome, 'Come, ye 
blessed, 'or 'Depart, ye cursed, into everlasting 
fire prepared for the devil and his angels.' ' 

Mr. Samuel Lowry then prayed. 

Rev. D. F. Carnahan said: "You have heard ear- 
nest words of truth spoken here to-night. Life is no 
child's play, nor is death an eternal sleep! Suppose 
a lion should burst loose from the menagerie, sup- 
pose he should come roaring into this tent, would 
not every heart tremble ! There is a lion who goes 
about seeking whom he may devour. Yes, the devil 
is more to be dreaded than the ferocious lion. This 



TENT MEETINGS. 153 

world is a great lazar-house, full of the dying and the 
dead — what are you to do? Fly to Jesus! Yes, fly 
to Jesus ! God sent his dear Son to suffer, bleed and 
die, that through believing in him, you might live 
forever!" 

Rev. S. D. Bowker said: ''I reside fifty miles from 
here, and have often read about your tent, and 
longed to see it, and I rejoice to be with you to-night. 
Is not the gospel feast like that King who made a 
marriage for his son ? All are invited, all are wel- 
come — none are refused. Yet you hear men say, 
'I'll get better before I become a Christian. ' What 
would you think of a prisoner in your jail, who was 
offered a free pardon, but he should say, 'Sir, I'll 
honor the law before I get released. ' Would you 
not say, ' Man, you must have your liberty before 
you can honor the law ' ? Christ alone can give this 
liberty. Receive Christ and this glorious liberty is 
yours." 

The congregation all stood and sang, "Delay not! 
Delay not! O sinner, draw near." 

Rev. T. J. Melish said: " I feel sad when I think 
this is the last time we are to meet in this hallowed 
place. Who has not felt that God has been in this 
place? What unconverted man has not been im- 
pressed with the solemnity of these meetings? Yet 
this is the last time ! Don't forget that day when 
many will say, 'The harvest is past, the summer is 
ended, and I am not saved.' I pray you, lay this 
to heart. Think of the grace of the gospel, ' Who- 
soever believeth on him shall not perish, but have 
everlasting life.'" 



154 TENT MEETINGS. 

Rev. J. F. Coons arose and said : "I have been 
asking myself the question, Why should the work 
cease ? God has crowned with complete success the 
labors of this Tent. Shall the work cease? ["God 
forbid!" responded many voices.] 

' 'Has not God been here ? Has not his gospel here 
been faithfully preached? Have not many souls here 
been converted ? Christians have said to me : ' I 
must go to the Tent. I want my heart refreshed, and 
I'll go to the Tent. ' God has blessed this enterprise. 
Shall the work cease? If it be prudent to lay away 
this canvas, I trust some place will- be found where 
we can meet on a common platform, and near and 
preach the gospel of Jesus Christ." He closed by 
repeating the well-known dream of the starless crown. 

Mr. H. T. Miller said : " While I rejoice with my 
last brother who spoke, I feel sad to think some of 
you are living in sin, and have no hope in Jesus. 
You don't like to hear of hell, and the sinner's doom ; 
and I don't wonder at it. You are like a little girl I 
saw to-day. Some one spoke of th comet ; if it 
were to strike our earth, everything would go to 
instant ruin. She cried, saying : ' Oh, mother, why 
did you tell me that ?' So it makes you afraid to 
hear of hell and the judgment-seat. This is the last 
meeting in the Tent, but there is another meeting 
where you and I must give an account, and receive 
our doom or reward." 

All united in singing, "Sinners, turn, why will ye 
die?" etc. 

Mr. John W. Shipley then said : " I have been at 
nearly all the meetings in the Tent from the com- 



TENT MEETINGS. 155 

mencement. Many have staid at the close of the 
services for conversation and prayer. There are many 
here to-night rejoicing in Christ, others are seeking 
him. Now we've come together for the last time. 
Shall we part forever? Shall we meet in heaven? 
Will you crush out these feelings from your bosom, 
which make you feel you are guilty ? Will you 
quench the Spirit? If so, on which side of the great 
white throne shall you stand? I speak as a dying 
man, to dying men, ' Now is the accepted time ! 
Now is the day of salva-tion. ' " 

Rev. J. Emery, Tent Missionary, was requested 
to speak. He said : ' ' I feel glad, and I feel sad. I 
am glad to see this large assembly here to-night, but 
I feel sad that this is the last of these hallowed meet- 
ings. Much good has been done. Many souls have 
been converted to God. We hear from many churches, 
of various denominations, of persons joining who 
received their first and deepest impressions from 
hearing the gospel beneath this canvas. And I ask 
with my brother, Shall the work cease ? 

" One interesting fact deserving notice has not been 
touched upon. There have met here every evening 
from fifty to two hundred and fifty children, to sing 
and hear the truth. What brought these children 
together? We did not give them cakes and candies, 
yet they came, and loved to come. We gave them 
God's truth in that Bible ! We sang the gospel 
hymns with them ! We talked of the man Christ 
Jesus ! And to-night when we told them this was the 
last time, tears stole down their cheeks. Their tears 
affected my heart. God bless the dear children — 



156 TENT MEETINGS. 

their sweet songs shall go with them through life. 
Many a cottage will be enlivened by the songs they 
learned in this Tent. Now, dear friends, shall we all 
meet in heaven ? May God grant it for Jesus' sake !" 
The speaker offered a fervent prayer. Then all 
the people sang — 

"Say, brothers, shall I meet you 
On Canaan's happy shore ?" 

About twenty five inquirers staid for prayer. Some 
two hundred remained another hour. Exhortations 
were given by Revs. Carnahan and Emery, and Mr. 
Fallis, Miller, Prof. Sayler, Shaw, Ritter and others. 
Several prayed — others sang. Thus ended the last 
meeting in the Tent. 



CHAPTEE VI. 

CLERMONT ACADEMY. 



Clermont Academy, on the bank of the Ohio, two 
and a half miles above New Richmond, has been un- 
der the instruction of Prof. J. K. Parker for fifty years. 
He, with his devoted Christian wife, have given, in- 
struction, not only in the various branches of educa- 
tion, but have endeavored to persuade their students 
to become true Christians. In this they have been 
eminently successful. Many of their former students 
are preaching the gospel; others are merchants, 
teachers, lawyers, farmers, clerks and mechanics. 
A religious atmosphere pervades the whole school, 
and the influence of Mr. Parker and his family on the 
neighborhood has always been highly beneficial. 
They are friends of the poor. These excellent peo- 
ple have invited me to spend several days with them 
the last week in February, since i860; and the time 
has always been spent happily and profitably. Four 
meetings have been held on Thursday. The evening 
meetings are generally full. Numbers of young men 
and women have been led to decide for Christ, at 

these annual meetings. On one occasion the young- 

(157) 



158 CLERMONT ACADEMY. 

est daughter of Mr. Parker, only ten years old, gave 
herself to God's service. I baptized her with others. 
She has lived a happy, useful life for many years ; is 
now the wife of Rev. Mr. R., both occupied teaching 
in the Academy. 

My visits yearly, to the school, have been among 
the sunniest spots of missionary work. The many 
scores who have been led to devote themselves to 
the service of God, are scattered over the land. 
Some have gone to the eternal world ; among others 
C. Parker, who died after a brief illness. One of the 
young ladies is the beloved wife of a Baptist minister 
in Central Ohio, and devoted to her work. Another 
is superintendent of a Sabbath-school in our city ; the 
largest, except the Bethel, numbering over six hun- 
dred scholars. Another is a physician, having a 
wide practice. Time and space would fail me to 
notice many others from this large army of students, 
who are blessings to the world. Some of them 
enlisted in the army and died on the battlefield. 

During the long, dark years of slavery, Professor 
Parker and wife were the friends of the oppressed, 
as were their parents before them. During the 
Women's Crusade against saloons, Mrs. Parker took 
an active part at New Richmond and vicinity. Their 
prayers and labors are both offered for the overthrow 
and extinction of this dire evil — the curse of curses, 
the fomenter of discord, robbery and murder. God 
hasten the day when this awful scourge shall be 
purged from our land ! 

Eternity alone will reveal all the good which has 
been accomplished by this Academy. God has been 



CLERMONT ACADEMY. 159 

honored, his word read and his praises sung every 
day ; and the prayers of the teachers have been 
answered in the salvation of the students. 

Rev. C. M. Currier, formerly a teacher, is now 
connected with Denison University, and is doing a 
good work. 



CHAPTER VII. 

VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 



FREEZING AND STARVING — A DRUNKARD S HOME. 

It was on New Year's day, one of the coldest 
experienced in this latitude, in 1864, with the ther- 
mometer twenty degrees below zero, and a sharp, 
cutting wind blowing, I called on a family in deep 
distress. There was no fire nor food in the house. 
The husband had gone off to spend the last dime for 
liquor. The mother and three small children were 
in bed, trying to keep warm. The windows were 
broken, and the sharp wind was whistling through. 
The wonder was they were not frozen to death. 
Fuel was bought and food furnished, and their pres- 
ent necessities were met. Next morning the ambu- 
lance came and removed them all to the Hospital. 
Here, after a few weeks, the poor, broken hearted 
woman died, leaving her children worse than orphans. 
Then the youngest child followed its mother to the 
grave, and the other little one was taken to the In- 
firmary. 

The father of these poor children soon went to a 

drunkard's grave. What a fearful end! In his word 

(100) 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 161 

God has said : "No drunkard shall inherit the king- 
dom of God." One member of this family, a bright 
little girl of four years, was adopted by a Christian 
lady of the city, and took the family name. Having 
no children of her own, her adopted mother found 
in her a good companion, and did all that a mother 
could do. After a few years she died. A few more 
years and her husband died. ■ Before his death he 
settled on this child $10,000, the interest of which 
enabled her to secure a first-class education. Other 
years rolled on, and the young lady was settled in 
life by marriage, and for many years has been entirely 
lost to our view. But toward these foster parents 
she ever showed a loving, grateful spirit. In the 
case of this child, the words of David are true, 
"When my father and mother forsake me, then the 
Lord will take me up." The workings of sin are 
mysterious, and the providence of God is equally 
mysterious. Are they not past finding out? "His 
way is in the sea, his path in the great waters, and 
his footsteps are not known." 

ONLY A STEP, AND DEATH. 

"As the Lord Uveth, and as thy soul liveth, 
There is but a step between me and death." 

These words of Scripture are often fulfilled. Every 
day some one, amidst health, business or pleasure, 
steps out of time into eternity. So we need the 
divine admonition: "Boast not thyself of to-morrow, 
for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth." 

On December 30, 1857, while seated in the lecture- 
room of the First Church, listening to a discourse 
11 



162 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

from Dr. Colver, a messenger came in and informed 
me that my uncle, Thomas Emery, was killed, whilst 
inspecting the factory on Vine and Water Streets. 
In the upper story, the day being dark and misty, 
he made a misstep, fell through the hatchway, and 
was instantly killed. He was in his usual health on 
that day. The blow was a terrible one to his family. 
We endeavored to comfort them with the consola- 
tions of God's word. The best comfort of all was, 
that he was ready to die. He had lived a prayerful. 
Christian life, and that morning had read the Scrip- 
tures and prayed with his family. All sorts of ex- 
pressions of sympathy were sent to the family. He 
had been successful in business, upright in his deal- 
ings, kind to his family, and benevolent in his chari 
ties. He was respected by a large circle of friends, 
and loved by his employes, who wept like children 
at his death. By his death my best and most liberal 
•contributor was taken away. On his last New Year's 
•day he called on us, and left a large sum. to be dis- 
tributed among the suffering poor under my visita- 
tion, saying: "I wish to begin the year well. 'J 
Similar donations he often made, saying : "I wish lo 
make money to do good with." 

His funeral, January 3d, was largely attended. His 
workmen all marched to the house ; a committee of 
merchants from 'Change came also. At the Ninth 
Street Church a large concourse of people gathered. 
The pastor, Rev. W. F. Hansell, read the fourteenth 
chapter of John, and offered a fervent prayer. The 
favorite hymn of the deceased was sung — 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 163 

"What sinners value, I resign; 
Lord, 'tis enough that thou art mine ; 
I shall behold thy blissful face, 
And stand complete in righteousness." 

The pastor delivered a very solemn discourse, which 
was listened to with deep seriousness. Dr. Colver 
prayed. The train of carriages then slowly moved 
to Spring Grove Cemetery, where he sleeps until the 
resurrection. 

Nineteen years after, Mrs. Emery died suddenly of 
pneumonia. A son and daughter also lie near their 
parents. Oh, what havoc death makes in families ! 
Oh, to be ready for the hour of departure ! 

OUT OF DARKNESS INTO LIGHT. 

I was called to visit a hard-working, industrious 
servant girl, who was overtaken with sickness. She 
spoke in the highest terms of the Jewish family 
where she had lived. She had listened to the gospel 
occasionally, and sought the Lord in prayer. She 
was hungering and thirsting after righteousness, 
quite as much as desiring a return to health and 
strength. A friend waited upon her, and she hoped, 
by going into the country for a change, health would 
return. She believed with all her heart on Christ, 
and enjoyed peace with God, Whilst speaking of 
death, there played upon her face the sweetest smiles. 
She spoke of the mercy of God in bringing her out 
of darkness into light. Her joy seemed unspeak- 
able and full of glory. A few days later, Mary was 
declining slowly ; could scarcely speak, but was happy. 
Said she: 'Tm quite ready, any moment, to depart 



164 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

and be with Christ." Her feet rested on the Rock 
of Ages. Read several hymns and prayed. Her 
death occurred April 26th. She was perfectly happy, 
and died in the faith of Christ. Mr. B., in whose 
house she died, said: "She was cheerful and joyful 
in prospect of death." Her last words in answer to 
the question, ' 'What is your hope?" were, ' 'Jesus, 
only Jesus !" She loved singing, and asked us to 
sing— 

"Oh, sing to me of heaven, 
When I am called to die ; 
Sing songs of holy ecstasy, 
To waft my soul on high." 

Of her salvation I have no doubt. "Is not this a 
brand plucked from the burning ?" My heart rejoices 
over one such soul being saved from death. 

DYING WITHOUT HOPE. 

Contrasted with the foregoing case, was that of 
W. L., lying at the point of death. As I spoke to 
him of the Savior of sinners, he listened attentively, 
and seemed anxious for me to come again. The 
day we went to see him, he seemed reluctant to let 
me go. I prayed, then we sang: "Alas! and did 
my Savior bleed," etc. He repeated the words and 
joined in the singing. Then we sang four other 
hymns, the last: "Jesus, thou art the sinner's friend," 
etc. We spoke of the mercy of Jesus and his power 
to save. He desired more prayer. So Bro. Morgan 
prayed, and we sang and prayed again. He begged me 
to come back soon, "Don't make it long." I feared 
he would die before I could return, and so it came to 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 165 

pass. He died the next morning. He became delirious 
soon after I left him. He prayed, confessed his sins, 
and raved, in turns, swearing at times quite fearfully. 
Oh, it was an awful death ! His weeping wife was 
there, his mother, brothers and sisters. All sad and 
very much distressed. This man's soul passed away 
in a hurricane. We leave him with God. 

A Similar Case. — The man was dying of consump- 
tion. A lady went in with me. He could scarcely 
speak. "Shall I read a few verses?" He said: "Be 
short." Read part of third chapter of John, about 
Moses lifting up the serpent in the wilderness. * 'Shall 
I pray?" He hesitated; I repeated. "If you like." 
I prayed for this dying sinner, that he might seek and 
find mercy of the Lord. A few days after this his 
soul was required of him. 

VISIT TO AN IRON FOUNDRY. 

Distributed tracts among the men in Niles* Foun- 
dry, all of whom treated me courteously in the pat- 
tern shop. Passing from here, a Scotch infidel 
began his sophistries by saying: "Mohammedanism 
would do just as well for this country as Christianity." 
I asked: "Would you like six wives to wait on you 
when you go home, or one ?" He answered not a 
word. I pointed out Mormonism and its villainies. 
He then found fault with the teachings of Christ 
Jesus, and aroused me by saying: "Some of his 
teachings were good, others bad." "Where's the 
proof of one bad precept?" He said, "Love your 
enemies." I combated that by showing its benevo- 
lence. He was quite silenced, and trembled as I 



166 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

spoke. He promised to read the tracts, and preach 
an answer to them next Sabbath afternoon; invited 
me to come. That would have been a sad waste of 
time, to have heard the name of the Son of God 
blasphemed. Such men work discontent and mis- 
chief wherever they are. 

Whilst spending a half-hour with several children, 
sinking and speaking, at the close a dear, little girl, 
whose mother leads an improper life, came to me. 
Her heart throbbed with grief. She wept that her 
mother was a sinner; we had been singing: 

"Oh, mothers, will you meet us, 
On Canaan's happy shore?" 

I comforted the poor, little creature, and bade her 
look unto Jesus, and pray that he would receive her. 

Edmund came in toward the close. He was under 
conviction of sin, and so was his sister, about eleven 
years of age. It was to me a real pleasure to speak 
of the Balm of Gilead, and the Great Physician — 
Christ Jesus. He never despises the poorest and 
humblest. "He will not break the bruised reed, nor 
quench the smoking flax." 



CHAPTER VIII. 

ORDINATION SERVICES. 



It seemed proper, by the Ninth Street Baptist 
Church and its pastor, Rev. W. F. Hansell, that I 
should be ordained, for the reasons that the ordi- 
nances of Christ and marriages could then be solem- 
nized by me, as these duties might be presented. This 
was accordingly done, January 31, 1858, in the Ninth 
Street Church, which up to that time employed me 
as its missionary. The following ministers took part 
in the exercises : Rev. W. F. Hansell, Rev. Davis, 
Rev. H. L. Simpson, Rev. J. Stevens, Dr. Colver, 
Rev. E. A. Crawley and Prof. Turney, all of whom 
have been called from their labors to the rest remain- 
ing for the people of God. 

It would be neither proper nor profitable here, to 

give any extended notice of this service, which was 

performed on Sabbath afternoon. Mr. Hansell gave 

a most suitable address, full of good advice, such as: 

;< Be sure you look after the poor and tlie suffering; 

they need sympathy and help. Think en what your 

Master said, 'The poor have the gospel preached 

unto them.' May God bless you, as you minister to 

the poor and the sick, with his richest blessings." 

(167) 



ORDINATION SERVICES. 

Prof. Turney followed, saying: "My brother has 
just pointed out your duties to the poor and the sick ; 
but do not forget the rich, they need the gospel just 
as much as the poor. Their temptations are differ- 
ent from those of the poor, and they need divine 
grace to overcome them. Remember, I pray you, 
while your mission is chiefly to the sons and daugh- 
ters of poverty, you are still to remember the rich, 
and, God shall bless your labors with great success." 

These timely words of admonition, uttered in a 
Christian spirit, have been of use to me all these 
years. By the help of God, I continue to this day. 
It brings sadness to my heart to think that every one 
of the seven ministers who took part in these ser- 
vices, have been removed by death. 

Prof. Turney wrote two hymns for the occasion, 
which were sung by the choir and congregation. The 
following expresses his thoughts exactly : 

"TO THE POOR THE GOSPEL IS PREACHED." 

Luke vii. 22, 

Go, brother, on thy work of love, 
Attended by the Spirit's power ; 

Thou hast a mission from above 
To preach the gospel to the poor. 

Go, on thy heavenly errand sent, 
To bear the gift from door to door ; 

Go, as thy blessed Master went, 
And preach the gospel to the poor. 

Go where the wretched sons of want 
Thy friendly sympathy implore, 

With blessings heaven alone can grant — 
Go preach the gospel to the poor. 



ORDINATION SERVICES. 169 

E'en where the mind is steeped in sin, 
And sense of shame is felt no more, 

Thy words may touch some chord within ; 
There preach the gospel to the poor. 

And when thy work of faith and zeal, 
Its toils and conflicts, all are o'er, 

'Twill be thy sweetest joy to feel 

Thou'st preached the gospel to the poor. 

A few days after this I was called to spend a short 
time at Newtown, teaching and preaching the gos- 
pel. A sad scene occurred, in the death of two 
excellent people — Father Webb and his wife died on 
the same day. He died at 10 a. m., and his wife 
forty minutes afterward. "Lovely and pleasant in 
their lives, in death they were not divided." Both 
had lived long on earth; they died in the seventy-fifth 
year of their age. They were loved by the church 
and the whole community. Such a scene I never 
before beheld. We comforted the family with the 
consolations of the gospel. The entire community 
was impressed by this double bereavement. During 
many years they lived Christian lives. 



chaptp:r tx. 
VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 



SICK WITH PALSY TEN YEARS. 

The aged widow Mulford was prostrated with this 
strange disease for ten years, waited on by her de- 
voted daughter Mary, who, with undaunted spirit, 
watched over and ministered to her mother until 
death. Often they were reduced to great straits, but 
out of them all the good Lord delivered them. 
Every part of the sick woman's body was in constant 
tremor. How the sufferer slept I can not tell, and 
how she endured so long, who can explain ? Why 
she was permitted to live ten years in utter helpless- 
ness, confined to her bed, none of us mortals can 
understand. She was visited by Bro. Bushnell and 
myself until her death. Her sufferings and priva- 
tions were borne with patience and resignation. She 
never found fault with that God who had afflicted 
her. But for the constant care of her daughter, she 
could not have lasted so long. All entreaties to send 
her mother to the Infirmary were firmly but politely 
declined. Several ladies were interested in this suf- 
ferer, and were happy to minister to her wants. On 

(170) 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 171 

September 8th this aged, afflicted woman fell asleep 
in Jesus, leaving behind two daughters, who have 
since departed to their mother to that world of which 
the poet has written : 

"Sickness and sorrow, pain and death, 
Are felt and feared no more." 

God does bless children who honor their parents, 
and who care for and help them during long afflictions. 
"Honor thy father and mother," is the first com- 
mandment with promise. 

POOR BUT HAPPY. 

Living in a small frame house in a lumber yard, 
near the elbow of the Canal, was Mrs. Davis and her 
daughter, colored. By some accident the latter be- 
came blind with one eye. Both mother and daughter 
were true Christians. The great age and feebleness of 
the mother prevented her from doing much toward 
their living. She was always cheerful and full of 
gratitude to God for his goodness and mercy. Often 
when my feet were weary, I staid in this humble cot- 
tage, and found it a pleasant place. Miss Davis for 
many years was a faithful teacher in the Union Sab- 
bath-school. The girls she taught loved her, and her 
instructions were to them a blessing. The weather 
never hindered her, nor any trivial matter. Up to 
her last sickness she was faithful in that useful occu- 
pation. Her end was peaceful. She died in the faith 
of that Jesus whom she had loved and taught to 
others. 

After a brief sickness, her mother saluted me one 
day with the words: "Oh, my brother, I do want 



172 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

you to read this precious hymn," pointing out the 
book with the leaf turned down. "Why this hymn 
above all others?'' "I've been near to death. I 
thought I was going home to meet my blessed Jesus, 
and I felt so happy. I was disappointed when I found 
myself still on the sick-bed. As soon as I recovered I 
found the precious hymn of Doddridge's written after 
recovering from sickness. It exactly expresses my 
own experience. Do read it, it will do you good." 
Following are three of the verses, so precious to 
this godly woman : 

My God ! thy service well demands 

The remnant of my days ; 
"Why was this fleeting breath renewed, 

But to renew thy praise ? 

Thine arms of everlasting love 

Did this weak frame sustain, 
"When life was hovering o'er the grave, 

And nature sunk with pain. 

Back from the borders of the grave, 

At thy command I come ; 
jSot will I ask a speedier flight 

To my eternal home 1 

Whilst reading this hymn, her face lit up with 
unusual joy, as she exclaimed: * 'There, my brother, 
isn't that beautiful ? It just expresses what I felt a 
few days ago. Every verse seems written for me." 
"Then you are not afraid to die?" "Afraid! no, 
indeed ; I often long for the time when I shall depart 
this life of sorrow and pain, and be forever with 
the Lord." "You are willing to wait a little longer?" 
"Oh, yes; I can say, 'Not my will, but thine be 
done.'" After a few more months rolled on, this 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 173 

aged saint followed her daughter to the everlasting 
rest. Our happiness, our usefulness, and our title 
to mansions in the skies, do not depend on this 
world's goods or our earthly surroundings. Some 
of the happiest people on earth are found in very 
humble dwellings and poor circumstances. A peace- 
ful mind and a blessed hope in Christ impart to their 
possessor a joy unspeakable and full of glory. 



CHAPTER X. 

PREJUDICE AGAINST COLORED 
PEOPLE. 



The origin of this prejudice is doubtless traceable 
to slavery. Ever since the arrival of the first cargo 
of slaves from Africa, nearly three hundred years 
ago, when these poor, helpless people were sold to 
the highest bidder, has this prejudice existed. To 
dislike a man because of the color of his skin, is alike 
foolish, unreasonable and unscriptural. Has not God 
made of one blood all the nations of the earth? Have 
we not all one Father? Are not all mankind brothers? 
Our Constitution declares "All men are free and 
equal." The result of the late war has done much 
to break down this hateful spirit of caste; and the 
adoption of the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amend- 
ments has lifted the colored people to their rights 
before the law, and given them equality as citizens. 

In the long years of the anti-slavery agitation, all 
white people identified with emancipation were sub- 
ject to insults and sometimes violence, often having 
vile names heaped upon them ; yet they kept on 
until the end of the war, when their work ended, 

and their prayers were answered in the freeing of 

(174) 



PREJUDICE AGAINST COLORED PEOPLE. 175 

four million slaves. The rejoicing which followed 
will not be forgotten by those who participated in 
seeing the oppressed go free. The name of Abra- 
ham Lincoln will be remembered in future genera- 
tions, as the President who signed the Emancipation 
Proclamation. 

This noble act of the Martyr President was per- 
formed on New Year's day, 1863. From that day 
onward, Providence favored the Union Army until 
the close of the war. The nation thanked God to 
see it close; for it cost millions of money and hun- 
dreds of thousands of precious lives. God grant 
there never may be again such a war in our country. 
The colored people were loyal both North and South, 
on the battlefield ; they were equally brave with their 
white brothers when called into action. 

As to why this prejudice against colored people 
should exist in a great city like Cincinnati, it is diffi- 
cult to explain. Some say we are close to the bor- 
der; others, that many of the earlier settlers were 
from the South ; others, that Cincinnati's chief market 
for her wares and manufactures was in the South. 
But this we know, that anti-slavery men Hire Levi 
Coffin, Dr. Boynton, Edward Harwood, the Ernsts, 
Colemans, Prices and others, were charged with 
hurting the Southern trade and keeping up a useless 
agitation. This prejudice against our colored people 
had a sad and startling exhibition in our city at the 
first meeting of the 

OHIO SABBATH-SCHOOL CONVENTION, 

Which was held in Smith & Nixon's Hall, May nth 



176 PREJUDICE AGAINST COLORED PEOPLE. 

and 1 2th, 1859. ^ was both large and deeply inter- 
esting, embracing representatives from all parts of 
the State. ' Everything usually done at such gather- 
ings passed off pleasantly. The speeches were excel- 
lent. Our late brother, Geo. F. Davis, was its 
President, and presided with his accustomed ability. 
A committee had been previously appointed to 
arrange for four large mass meetings for all the Sab- 
bath-schools of the city, including the five colored 
schools. The committee was unanimous- on this 
question. 

The committee appointed the schools to four dif- 
ferent churches and halls loaned for the occasion. 
They designated the five colored Sunday-schools to 
Wesley Chapel, that being the nearest place to them. 
I happened to be the superintendent of the Union 
Baptist Sabbath-school, then meeting on Baker 
Street. Children and teachers were all notified to 
be on hand May 12th, and march to Wesley Chapel. 
The day before the meeting there was much talk 
about the trustees refusing these children admission. 
We little thought any Christian men could do such a 
foolish and unjust thing. So we marched along the 
streets, about two hundred in all, in perfect order, 
to the Chapel. A goodly number of people walked 
along with us. On ascending the steps we found two 
of the doors closed, and men stood in the front door 
and denied us admission. I inquired by whose 
authority. They replied, "The trustees." "Which?" 
"All," was the reply. So we marched to the oppo- 
site side of the street and sang the hymn — - 



PREJUDICE AGAINST COLORED PEOPLE. 177 

"Oh, do not be discouraged, 
For Jesus is your friend ; 
****** * 

He will give you grace to conquer, 
And keep you to the end." 

After a few words of explanation as to why we 
were refused — simply because the children were 
colored — we marched back, in perfect order, to Baker 
Street Church, and there and then officers and teach- 
ers passed some decided resolutions on the injustice 
done by the said trustees. These were published 
next day in all the newspapers. All sorts of vials of 
wrath were poured on my head by friend and foe. 

The newspaper war which followed waxed very 
hot, and it lasted nearly three weeks. All the papers 
which took part in the controversy, wrote bitterly 
against one solitary superintendent, who merely 
wished to carry out the program marked out by the 
committee ; except the Gazette, which spoke nobly 
for the committee, for the colored people and the 
superintendent. Had the trustees had the wisdom 
to have kept quiet, after loaning their house of wor- 
ship to the convention, everything would have been 
harmonious. 

I thank God for giving me grace to go through 
that day, and for vindicating the cause of the op- 
pressed and despised. I bless God that the trustees 
lived to see the great mistake they made on that day. 
Of this they have given ample proof in having the 
Fowell Buxton School, comprising all colored chil- 
dren, hold its anniversaries there; and the colored 

people are just as welcome there, as to any other 
12 



178 PREJUDICE AGAINST COLORED PEOPLE. 

house of worship. Before the occurrence I was told, 
if I took our school there, I would lose every friend 
I had in the city. My reply was, "Then I will lose 
all but Christ." The sequel proved that not one true 
friend was lost by this day's work, and the society 
which sustained me added one hundred dollars to 
my salary. Meeting my old friend, William Cross- 
man, a few days after, a broad smile played on his 
face, as he said : "Joseph, I did not think thee had 
so much courage." "The Lord helped us, or we 
never should have got through." "Thee was perfectly 
right." "Let posterity judge who was in the wrong 
ill this transaction." 

As I write, the slips from the daily papers are be- 
fore me, containing the sharp criticisms of those who 
differed with me. I rejoice in the changes wrought 
by the war, and especially that the colored people 
enjoy the rights of citizenship, and that the last 
Legislature abolished all the black laws of Ohio. 
Every lover of justice and right rejoices in this 
reasonable act. In what I have done for the colored 
people and their children, I rejoice and thank God, 
and can say: "My rejoicing is this, the testimony 
of a good conscience. If God be for us, who can be 
against us?" 



CHAPTER XI. 

ROBERT RAIKES CENTENNIAL 
CELEBRATION. 



It is quite a pleasing task to turn from the Sabbath- 
school Convention, held May 12, 1859, to the one 
held in our city June 10, 1876. The great meeting 
was held in the old Exposition Building, to which all 
the Sabbath-schools were invited, and they were 
all present. The colored schools and the teachers 
were there, and received just as cordial a welcome as 
the rest, and took an equal interest in the songs and 
addresses of the day. G. F. Davis, Rev. B. W. 
Chidlaw and S. S. Fisher spoke. Abner L. Frazer 
took an active part and did all in his power, with 
others, to make the meeting a great success, and 
such it proved to be. 

The object of the gathering was to let this generation 

know that one hundred years ago Robert Raikes, of 

Gloucester, England, formed the first Sabbath-school. 

He was grieved to behold on the day of rest such a 

multitude of children playing games and swearing, 

and committing other unlawful deeds, who ought to 

have been better employed. He was discouraged by 

almost every one in his efforts, and only obtained 

(179) 



180 ROBERT RAIKES CENTENNIAL. 

teachers by giving them a shilling every Sabbath for 
teaching. Some of the clergy said he was violating the 
Sabbath by giving secular instruction. Yet the good 
man kept on, and lived to see hundreds of Sabbath- 
schools established, and now they nearly girdle the 
world. What hath God wrought? For his glory these 
schools are gathered, to teach the rising generation 
their obligations to the Most High, and how by his 
mercy to obtain eternal life through Christ. Thus 
they will become industrious, pious people, and be 
blessings to the Church and to the world. May God 
multiply their number more and more. 

ANOTHER CELEBRATION 

Was held on June 19, 1880, when all the Sabbath- 
schools were again united. It was a successful meet- 
ing, held as a sort of farewell union gathering, just 
before the building was taken down to make room 
for our Music Hall and other public buildings. 

It has been the aim of the writer to help on every 
good work — everything which reminds men, women 
and children to fear God and keep his command- 
ments ; to follow the pure and beautiful life of 
Jesus, to look to him for salvation, and to seek his 
help in all the paths of life. To the poorest, weak- 
est and most helpless of people, this advice has con- 
stantly been given, and hundreds have profited by it 
and are living useful lives. To the young especially 
this verse of a distinguished poet has often been 
repeated — 

"Honor and shame from no condition rise; 
Act well thy part, there all the honor Ues." 



CHAPTER XII. 

OPEN-AIR PREACHING. 



OPEN-AIR GOSPEL MEETINGS. 

These religious meetings are in a line with the cus- 
tom of the old prophets, who preached at the gates 
of the city, in its markets and streets. It is after the 
example of the Great Teacher, who delivered that 
matchless sermon on the mountain-side, otker dis- 
courses in the fields, by the seashore, in a ship, by 
the well of Jacob, and many other places. Jesus 
preached not only in the synagogues and temple, but 
in private houses and by the wayside. His disciples 
followed their Master's example ; Paul, especially, 
under the trees, by the river side and on the sea- 
shore, on board of ship and in prison. 

In all ages this practice has been more or less fol- 
lowed, and before the millennium shall dawn on this 
earth, there will be mighty efforts put forth in this 
direction. Is it not written, "Many shall run to and 
fro, and knowledge shall be increased ? They shall 
not teach every man, his neighbor, Know ye the 
Lord? for all shall know me, from the least even unto 

the greatest." How shall this come to pass, when 

(181) 



182 OPEN-AIR PREACHING. . 

there are in this city one hundred thousand people 
who never hear the gospel, who make no pretension 
to religion, and whose conduct says to the Most 
High: "Depart from us, for we desire not the 
knowledge of thy ways." Every Christian on earth 
believes, that "Faith cometh by hearing, and hear- 
ing by the word of God." But "How shall they 
hear without a preacher?" Is not the harvest great? 
Are not the laborers few ? Every Christian heart 
responds: "Yes, indeed!" What shall we do? 
Christ says: "Pray ye the Lord of the harvest, 
that he will send forth laborers into his harvest." 
That implies, go yourself if able, and persuade and 
help others to go. Are we not taught to pray "Thy 
kingdom done"? Then we are in duty bound to do 
all in our power to promote God's kingdom. When 
the farmer prays for a bountiful harvest, he plows 
deep, puts in the best seed, looks after fences, plows 
in the weeds, and leaves the result to Providence. Is 
not this reasonable? Just so in Christian work, com- 
mon sense should be used in religious matters, just 
as in the common affairs of life. Let us never forget 
the promise: "He that soweth bountifully, shall 
reap bountifully. He that soweth sparingly, shall 
reap sparingly." 

The gospel seed has been sown, assisted always by 
a faithful few, in seventeen different places in our 
city. The people generally have paid respectful 
attention to the word ; hundreds have been saved, 
and thousands have been enlightened as to their obli- 
gations to God and man. In only three places have 
we found the sons of Zeruiah too strong for us, and 



OPEN-AIR PREACHING. 183 

even there the services can be maintained with a suf- 
ficient force of Christian workers. Following are the 
places where these meetings were held : Public Land- 
ing, Marine Dock-yard, Washington Park, Lincoln 
Park, Esplanade, Court Street Market, Wade Street 
Market, Sixth Street Market, foot of Fifth Street, 
Plum Street near the river, opposite Exposition Build- 
ing, steps of Music Hall, Pine Street, Sixth and Cul- 
vert, Findlay Market, near Lincoln Park and City 
Park. 

The first meetings were held in 1857, on the Public 
Landing, in the afternoon and evenings of the Sab- 
bath. A keg of nails, or a box, or a dray, formed the 
pulpit. A number of boatmen, mechanics and 
laborers, men, women and children formed the audi- 
ence. In those days the late Mr. John Elstner, a use- 
ful member of Wesley Chapel, often came with words 
of cheer and helped distribute tracts. Not once were 
these meetings disturbed by drunken people. 

The Marine Dock yard was used in that year and 
the following. Many women and children, as well as 
working people, attended these meetings, which were 
always peaceable and orderly. Mordecai, a man long 
since dead, helped in this meeting. People found 
seats on logs and piles of lumber, and listened closely 
to the word. Anthony Burns, of Boston notoriety, 
often assisted at these meetings. 

During the excitement of the Civil War, these 
meetings were discontinued, inasmuch as every Chris- 
tian worker was required to visit the Barracks and 
Hospitals containing sick and wounded soldiers. 
Gradually things ran in their usual channels. 



184 OPEN-AIR PREACHING. 

In our annual report for 1867, is this brief record: 
A series of meetings have been held in Washing- 
ton Park and City Park (Ninth and Plum) on Sabbath 
afternoons. Some six or eight young persons o( 
the Second Baptist Church greatly assisted in these 
services. People of all grades have paid respectful 
attention, and the Mayor gave instructions that no 
one should interrupt these meetings. Thousands 
have thus heard the gospel. 

The meetings held in Washington Park were among 
the best and largest we have held. They continued 
for four years. From three to five hundred persons 
stood patiently under the trees to listen to the joyful 
sound of the gospel. Resident ministers would 
occasionally speak ; Mr. Orten, Dr. How, Clauder, 
J. B Wells, and members of the Young Men's Chris- 
tian Association. We always had a respectful audi- 
ence, and people thanked us, and many were 
persuaded to atttend places of worship. One young 
man, a German by birth, became deeply interested, 
and seldom missed a meeting. Often tears filled his 
eyes during the preaching. He afterward joined the 
Ninth Street Church, and became a faithful member. 
A poor, laboring man, his wife and daughter, were 
also converted, and became quite interested in bring- 
ing others to the meetings. This series of meetings 
proved the most successful in many respects. Never 
once was the service interrupted by drunken, lawless 
men or rude boys. 

These meetings were brought to a close by the 
Park Commissioners forbidding all preaching and 
outdoor meetings within the parks. Yet nothing 



OPEN-AIR PREACHING. 185 

was harmed, the grass was not trampled on, not a 
tree or shrub injured. For their action they will 
render an account to the Judge of the quick and 
dead. They gave us no reason for their prohibition. 
God forbid we should do anything to hinder the gos- 
pel of Christ. Ought we not to sing with the poet — 

"Fly abroad, thou mighty gospel, 
Win and conquer, never cease ; 
May thy lasting, wide dominion 
Multiply and still increase; 

Sway thy sceptre, 
Savior, all the world around" ? 

Our next position was opposite the old Exposition 
Building, where gathered large meetings, which proved 
a great blessing to many souls. At times we had so 
many workers that a company was sent to Wade 
Street, and another to Findlay Market. Meetings 
continued in this vicinity for fourteen years, every 
summer, and quite a variety of efficient speakers 
assisted. Here Miss Anna Walker made her first 
address in an outdoor meeting, enlisting close atten- 
tion to the truths of the gospel. Shortly afterward 
she began a children's meeting on Walker Mill Road 
under the trees ; then the old factory, owned by Peter 
R. NefT, was used ; then the neat little chapel was 
built, first known as the Walker Mill Road Chapel, 
now called Bethany Mission, on State Avenue, where 
about one hundred and fifty children gather each Sab- 
bath, under the superintendence of Sydney Maxwell. 

Another excellent lady, from England, here began 
her mission work. A splendid singer and a poet, 
her life was truly consecrated to God. Nearly every 



18G OPEN-AIR PREACHING. 

Sabbath Miss Rouse would assist in singing and 
speaking. "The Gate Ajar," was sung with power. 
Her whole soul was filled with the love of Christ, 
and many hearts were touched by her earnest words. 
She married a gentleman from Long Island, and 
began outdoor meetings there, which were greatly 
blessed. After some years Mr. S. was accidentally 
drowned. The widow is now a missionary in Africa. 
Far reaching results have flowed from these meet- 
ings. To God be all the glory. I bless his holy 
name for the grace given and the good health enjoyed 
during these years. 

Whilst Mrs. S. was enjoying all the happiness of her 
home on Long Island, in one of her letters the fol- 
lowing lines, writen by herself, were inclosed to me. 
God grant they may encourage other missionaries : 

WORKING WITH CHRIST. 

Go, man of God, bear precious seed, 
And cast it by the world's wayside ; 

And in due season thou shalt reap 
A glorious harvest far and wide. 

Go, labor on in Jesus' strength, 

Thy earnest work is not in vain ; 
Soon shall your longing eyes behold 

The golden fields of ripening grain. 

Oh, weary not, whate'er oppose, 

Although your progress seems but slow ; 

The full production of your toil, 

On earth, may be, thou'lt never know. 

But in the final harvest home, 

There may be some whom you will meet, 

Acknowledge you the instrument 
In leading: them to Jesus' feet. 



OPEN-AIR PREACHING. 187 

Then labor on, thou man of God, 

Thy heaven-sent mission to fulfill ; 
An object noble, grand indeed — 

To do thy Heavenly Master's will. 

Oh, may you do his will on earth, 

And when removed to heaven's bright clime, 

All those whom here you lead to God, 
As jewels in your crown shall shine. 

And when the Savior thou shalt see, 

And lowly bow before his throne, 
His words will fall in accents sweet, 

"Servant of God, well done, well done." 

The third lady, whose work began here, is widely- 
known, not only in the city, but throughout Ohio 
and Kentucky— Mrs. E. A. Whitridge, of the M. E. 
Church. Several summers this excellent woman 
rendered good service. Her whole heart was in the 
work of leading souls to Christ, and she was won- 
derfully successful. Visiting the poor and the sick 
in the Hospitals and Infirmaries, her heart and hands 
were fully occupied. The Children's Meeting at 
Loveland Camp-meeting has been under her charge 
for several years, and the chapel for the services was 
built by her exertions. Other camp-meetings claimed 
her services, which were cheerfully rendered Her 
labors so multiplied, that she became a traveling 
missionary, laboring continuously until her health 
gave way in 1886, and a long sickness prostrated 
her. It is the earnest prayer of the writer, and many 
friends, that her life may be long spared to comfort 
the sorrowing and lead sinners to Christ, and Chris- 
tians to a higher Christian life. 

Meetings went on thus year after year. On the 



188 OPEN-AIR PREACHING. 

steps of Music Hall might be seen scores of aged 
men and women. They loved to come to hear the 
word of God. Tracts and papers were freely dis- 
tributed among them. Over a hundred children 
gathered as soon as the singing commenced ; they 
were supplied with children's papers. Nurse-girls, 
with baby carriages, and stragglers of all kinds, were 
among the hearers. Some would stay ten and fifteen 
minutes, others a full hour, and some to the end of 
the exercises, which lasted from 4 to 6 p. m. 

Several young men who assisted in these evangel- 
istic meetings, are now preachers of the gospel, and 
are giving their lives to this noblest of all occupa- 
tions. Among them may be mentioned Rev. John 
Rusk and Rev. S. Sharpless, both occupying pulpits 
in the Presbyterian Church. George Sharpless, 
Johnson, Brown, and many others, have rendered 
good service in this field. 

ARRESTED FOR PREACHING. 

Certain changes were made in our city govern- 
ment. Police Commissioners were appointed at the 
time Mr. Johnston was Mayor in 1874. For some 
weeks the temperance women had been praying in 
front of saloons, that God would stop these prolific 
sources of poverty and crime. Some of the best 
women in the city joined in this crusade. On Satur- 
day, May 16, 1874, forty- three women were praying 
on the sidewalk, fronting the saloon on the northwest 
corner of Ninth and Baymiller. They were arrested 
and marched to Third Street Police Station. The 
wife of Rev. S. K. Leavitt, Baptist, and the wife of 



OPEN-AIR PREACHING. 189 

Rev. I. Fee, Methodist, were among them. They 
were in no way disconcerted, but sang and prayed 
in the station-house, and were allowed to depart on 
their own recognizance. The whole city was in 
excitement at this outrage. 

Next day, on leaving home, I remarked to my 
wife : "Perhaps I may be arrested to-day for preach- 
ing." She answered, "Very likely; but while you 
go and preach, I'll pray." The prediction proved 
true, but we had the peace of God in our hearts, and 
the presence of Christ. 

The circumstances can best be told as recorded in 
our daily journal, as follows : 

Sabbath, May 17, 1874. — This has been one of 
the most eventful days of my life. I was arrested 
with Bro. James Hervey, Miss Purleiur, and old Sis- 
ter Exlieben, while holding an outdoor meeting op- 
posite the Exposition Building. Two policemen 
came up as I was reading the ninety-fourth Psalm, 
"O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O 
God, to whom vengeance belongeth, show thyself. 
Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the 
wicked triumph?" etc. They said, "You can't preach 
here." I said, "lean." They said, "You shan't." 
"I will." "We'll arrest you." "Here I am, take 
me;" and the other three consented, and so we four 
marched in slow procession to Bremen Street Police 
Station. On the way we sang, "Rock of Ages, cleft 
for me;" "There is a fountain filled with blood;" 
"All hail the power of Jesus' name;" and "Shall 
we gather at the river?" Probably one thousand 
people followed us : We were all perfectly calm, and 



190 OPEN-AIR PREACHING. 

enjoyed the peace of God and presence of Christ. 
He gave us words and songs. Our names were reg- 
istered among the transgressors, and then we were 
told to appear at the Police Court on Monday, 9 a. 
m. We were permitted to leave on our parole of 
honor. We then sang, ' ' Praise God, from whom all 
blessings flow." The officers ordered us not to sing. 
We persisted. They then threatened to lock us up. 
We sang the verse and left. Of these men we can 
say, ■ ' Father forgive them, for they know not what 
they do." 

My good friend, long tried and true, George 
Crawford, followed us to the station, saying, "I 
was determined to bail you out." No bail was re- 
quired, but a friend in need is a friend indeed. We 
repaired to St. Paul M. E. Church, where a meeting 
was going on in behalf of temperance. It was 
crowded to its capacity. Addresses had been made 
by Dr. Payne and some of the women arrested for 
praying against saloons. I made a brief statement 
about our arrest. This i-ncreased the indignation of 
the audience. Prayer was offered for the Mayor 
and our city officials, and the meeting heartily sang, 
" Praise God, from whom all blessings flow," and 
was quietly dismissed. 

HONORABLY ACQUITTED. 

The forty-three women met at Ninth Street Bap- 
tist Church at 8 a. m.; and we four followed them in 
procession to the Police Court. The crowd of peo- 
ple was immense, the street being lined all the way 
with eager multitudes. The court-room was filled 
almost to suffocation. Judge Marchant presided. 



OPEN-AIR PREACHING. 191 

Our case was first called, and the serious charge 
made that we preached the gospel opposite the Ex- 
position, obstructing the sidewalk. Prosecuting 
Attorney T. C. Campbell then addressed the Court, 
saying: "As there is no law in Ohio forbidding 
preaching outdoors, I move you that these four per- 
sons be discharged." 

Judge Marchant then addressed us thus: "Mr. 
Emery, I've heard you preach outdoors a few 
times." "Yes, your honor, I've been doing so over 
twenty years !" "You are all discharged." There 
was an outburst of applause, which the officers 
vainly attempted to suppress. Returning to the 
church, we found it literally packed. " Praise God," 
was sung four times with amazing power ; brief ad- 
dresses were made and prayer offered. 

The case of the temperance women was post- 
poned until Wednesday, when they were all dis- 
charged, with the injunction to discontinue praying 
against saloons. They obeyed, and paid their law- 
yers and ceased their work. We resumed the next 
Sabbath, and by the help of God have continued 
unto this day. 

A word or two about my companions in tribula- 
tion. Rev. James Hervey is connected with the 
Methodist Protestant Church, a good man, now 
preaching in Preble County, Ohio. Miss Purleiur 
was missionary for many years among the poor with 
Miss S.; had a sewing-school for girls. Mrs. 
Exlieben, from Pennsylvania, a pious woman, mem- 
ber of Ninth Street Church, died of old age a few 
months since, and was buried in Spring Grove. 



192 OPEN-AIR PREACHING. 

THREATENED RIOT. 

After the trial, the Police Commissioners issued an 
order forbidding praying and singing in the streets. 
On the next Sabbath we held our meetings as usual. 
The men of baser passions, inflamed with liquor, 
had determined to stop all preaching outdoors. 
They met near Washington Park to the number of 
about one thousand. Our meeting began as usual 
with songs ; prayers and brief addresses were made 
by brethren Hervey, Forbes, a German, Mrs. Cole- 
man and Whitridge. As we sang, the noisy crowd 
opposite hallooed, clapped hands, and shouted. 
After awhile they quarreled. Five of them were ar- 
rested, marched to the station-house, and next day 
fined fifty dollars and costs, the judge declaring he 
would send them to prison if they did the like again. 

No interruption by the authorities has occurred 
since. Our meetings have been as quiet and orderly 
as those inside a place of worship. The result of 
these troublous times was an answer to the prayers 
of thousands of our fellow-citizens, who could not 
endure to see religious liberty trampled on by un- 
godly men. 

Prior to this, there were three places where the 
mob element ruled : the foot of Plum Street, where 
reside many drinking people; on Sloo Street, having 
tenants of like character; and Findlay Market, where 
many skeptics and scoffers at religion always congre- 
gate. Each of these places had to be relinquished ; 
more for the want of earnest, fearless men, than for 
the wickedness of the people — our Christian people 



OPEN-AIR PREACHING. 193 

are so loath to grapple with evil. Lord have mercy 
on us, and give us a little of the spirit of Martin 
Luther, and of Elijah the prophet! 

During three summers, a large meeting was held 
at the junction of Freeman Avenue and Fifth Street. 
People crossing to and from Ludlow, by the hun- 
dred, staid to listen to the gospel. That service 
was held about seven in the evening. A large num- 
ber of women and children attended, and always 
paid respectful attention. Never once were we in- 
terrupted whilst thus preaching Christ on the river- 
side. This, with other meetings, was given up for 
want of workers. Children of Belial weary them- 
selves to work wickedness ; but the children of God 
soon grow weary in well-doing. 

A REMARKABLE CONVERSION. 

One Sabbath afternoon, whilst the meeting was in 
progress, a young man was seen standing in the 
crowd smoking a cigar He was attracted by the 
singing of that touching hymn of P. P. Bliss — 

" Almost persuaded, now to believe; 
Almost persuaded, Christ to receive, 
Seems now some soul to say." 

He requested us to sing it again. We did so, and 
brief addresses followed. He remained to the close, 
and inquired where he could hear more of the gos- 
pel that night. We directed him to the Y. M. C. 
A He went, he heard the word, and was saved by 
Christ. Uniting with St. Paul's M. E. Church, he 
found in Dr. Payne a true friend. For some years 

he has been an evangelist, preaching the gospel to 
13 



194 OPEN-AIR PREACHING. 

thousands of people, winning many hundreds to 
Christ. His name is J. B. Webber. Of German 
parentage, brought up in the Catholic Church, he 
drifted away from all religious influences and became 
skeptical and dissipated. His last regular occupation 
before his conversion was that of a barkeeper. His 
life was far from being a happy one. The gospel 
was just what he needed, a balm for his weary soul. 
No sooner had he become a Christian than he sought 
after others, and urged sinners to repentance. He 
has preached to listening thousands, and turned 
hundreds to Christ. He has often told how he 
heard a missionary named Emery preach the gospel 
near the park, in Cincinnati, which led him to seek 
Christ. These facts, and many others, we learn 
from a book published by the Methodist Book Con- 
cern, of his life. 

OPPOSITE MUSIC HALL. 

Regular services were held here each summer for 
some years, until the autumn of 1885. That field 
we left for others, but no one is found to take it. 

J. Q. Mulford, myself and wife, held services under 
the trees, north side of 

LINCOLN PARK. 

We began May 1, 1886, and continued without 
interruption until the end of October. Over one 
hundred children gathered, and some three hundred 
persons heard the gospel attentively. Members of 
Lincoln Park Church have assisted us, and in that 
same place we expect to hold forth the word of life, 



OPEN-AIR PREACHING. 195 

so long as God gives us the ability. The opposition 
to this method of disseminating the gospel, is the 
best evidence of its usefulness. Had there been no 
other conversions than that of Evangelist Webber, 
it pays for a lifetime of service. It is written, " He 
that converteth the sinner from the error of his way 
shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multi- 
tude i>{ sins." 



CHAPTER XIII. 

VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 



Visiting an immense barracks, I found all sorts of 
poor people. The building contained sixty families. 
Some were polite, and respectfully received tracts; 
others were rude and insulting, saying, " We're 
Catholics, and don't want anything to do with you." 
As to sending their children to Sabbath-school, they 
would not consent, on any terms; yet they per- 
mitted them to play in the street, swear and lie, and 
do other unseemly things. 

On reaching the fourth story, I found one family 
from near Belfast, Ireland. The good woman 
seemed so glad to see and hear me. After reading 
the word and prayer, she promised to send three of her 
children to Sabbath-school. They came, and con- 
tinued to attend until grown up. Some years after, 
her husband was stricken down with paralysis. The 
wife sent a hurried message for me to come immedi- 
ately, her husband was dying. Reaching the house, 
mother and children were weeping bitterly. I prayed 
and consoled them, assuring her her husband was not 

near death. "Just be calm, follow the physician's 

(196) 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 197 

directions, and above all, pray to God to restore 
your husband." 

She heeded the advice. Her husband gradually 
recovered, and was able to walk, but not to do hard 
work. The three boys were set to work, and 
brought home their earnings and supported their 
father to the end of his life. The oldest son mar- 
ried, built a house, and gave his parents a home. 
All these children turned out well; certainly, they 
requited their parents, and God has blessed them. 
May they all meet in the kingdom of God. 

A poor, colored widow, living in a dark room, had 
an only son, very unlike his mother. He drank and 
quarreled with other men. On one of these occa- 
sions a man shot him dead. The poor widow was 
well nigh heart-broken; what bitter tears she shed 
over his death! Often she said: "Oh, my dear 
brother, if his soul was but saved, I wouldn't feel 
half so bad; but I know he didn't love God, and he 
wasn't a Christian. I ironed him a clean shirt the 
day he was killed." On relieving her wants and 
offering prayer to the God of the widow, she wept 
much, and then said: "God bless you, my dear 
brother, for coming to see a poor creature like me!" 
For such as these Jesus died. 

A Criminal. — The following incident of twenty-six 
years ago, shows the heart of man, wicked then as 
now. Will it ever be better? Blanche, who was 
shot in the breast by her husband, lay in a critical 
condition. The ball passed through to her back, 
which was most painful. She did not reproach, but 
pitied him. She did not appear to feel concerned 



198 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

about death ; was rather skeptical. Her parents were 
pious, and had been dead many years. She led an 
improper life ; yet boasted of having done right by 
others. The physician came just as I was about to 
pray with her. Her husband asked me after his 
wife. I told him she was easier. "Tell her I've 
been praying for her ever since. May God forgive 
me!" He grasped my hand, saying, "God bless 
you, sir; visit her again! Oh, if I am spared, I'll 
lead a different life!" He was much agitated. The 
shot he aimed at his brain passed from his ear down- 
ward inside his cheek 

Forcibly does such a scene remind us of the words 
of Scripture: "The wages of sin is death; but the 
gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our 
Lord." 

The latter part of the verse was beautifully illus- 
trated in the death of a young Christian woman: 

Mrs. E. died in peace. She sweetly fell asleep in 
Jesus, exclaiming, just before her death: "Jesus has 
come! Jesus has come! Blessed Savior! Come, Lord 
Jesus, oh, come quickly!" Soon the conflict ended, 
and all was peace. At her husband's request, we 
sang her favorite hymn, "Thee we adore, eternal 
name." Read fifth chapter of Second Corinthians 
and prayed. Her remains were conveyed to Leb- 
anon, where her mother resided. 

A MISANTHROPE. 

By request of the late Dr. Potter, I visited a pa- 
tient of his, a widow, who was not particularly ill, 
but very unhappy. Found Mrs. K. surrounded with 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 199 

the comforts of life. She had no peace ; believed in 
Fatalism, Universalism, and I know not what else. 
Told me that her troubles hardened her heart. Did 
not believe a pure and holy God would punish us for 
sin. Her mind was all confusion. ''Many a time," 
said she, ' 'have I envied the slaves on my brother's 
plantation." "And why?" "Because they were 
happy and I was wretched. " "You may be as happy, 
only come as a little child to Jesus." "I don't be- 
lieve it. I shall never be any different. I believe in 
fatality." "That is a miserable belief. Oh, believe 
on the Son of God, then you shall be happy." She 
affirmed she was better than many who made a loud 
profession. Poor creature! A few tears fell while I 
conversed with her. On proposing to pray with her, 
she refused. I promised to pray for her at home, 
that her eyes might be opened, that she might see 
herself a poor, lost sinner. I inquired, "Would you 
like your dear little girl to lead as unhappy a life as 
you do?" She answered, "I'd kill her first." I gave 
her a religious paper and departed with a saddened 
heart. 

Some days afterward I called, requesting her to 
visit a poor, young man, a widow's son, dying with 
consumption. She went along with me, felt grieved 
at their destitute condition, and relieved their wants ; 
continued her visits six weeks daily, always taking 
some little delicacy. Helping others wrought a won- 
derful change in this lady, who lost all her misan- 
thropic feelings, as she followed the example of 
Jesus, who went about doing good. This lady took 
pleasure in furnishing the money for the funeral of 



200 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

this young man. Should any one, reading these 
sketches from life, feel discontented with his own lot, 
let him search out the poor, the sick and the dying, 
visit them in their uncomfortable homes, and he will 
find more to bless God for than to complain of. Try 
it ! 'Tis even so ! 

A LADY SAVED FROM LUNACY. 

A violent ring at our door-bell," led me to ask a 
middle-aged gentleman what was the matter. He 
was nearly out of breath, but said: "I want you to 
go immediately to see a lady whose husband was 
drowned the other day by a steamboat explosion on 
the Mississippi River. " "I'm just getting ready to go 
to Clermont Academy." "You must go at once, 
for I fear she will lose her mind." As quickly as 
possible I went. On reaching the house, I found 
some six persons; two sisters trying to comfort the 
one just made a widow. Not a tear was in her eye. 
Her countenance was like one trying to penetrate 
some mystery. Her sisters told me about the acci- 
dent, and that there was no hope of recovering his 
remains. To the bereaved one I said: "This is an 
awful calamity, but you must look to God for help 
in this great distress." She answered: "I can not 
pray; I'm not a Christian." "Yet you must pray, 
and ask for grace and mercy." I read the seventy- 
seventh Psalm: "I cried unto God with my voice, 
even unto God with my voice ; and he gave ear unto 
me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord." 
I entreated her to do the same, and God would hear 
her and help her. As we bowed in prayer, her heart 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 201 

was touched ; tears fell, the first since she heard of 
her husband's death. 

On leaving her, I besought her to ponder well that 
Psalm, and ask him who bore our afflictions and sins, 
to help her in this hour of need. She promised, and 
blessed be God! her prayers and ours were heard, and 
slowly she became accustomed to her bereavement. 
She thanked God for saving her from lunacy; and 
took special pains to tell all her acquaintances. The 
visit in that dark hour prevented the loss of her 
mind. My prayer was that she might know Jesus 
Christ and love him. 

The best remedy for trouble is prayer. God has 
declared : ' ' Call upon me in the day of trouble, I will 
deliver thee." "He is faithful who hath promised. "- 

POOR BUT HAPPY. 

June 2, 1859. — Mrs. Mason was eating her dinner 
of herbs and fat bacon, with a poor neighbor. ''Bet- 
ter is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled 
ox and contention therewith." They left off eating 
and requested me to read to them from the Bible. 
I read a portion of the thirty-fourth Psalm: "I will 
bless the Lord at all times," etc.; full of sweet, pre- 
cious promises. How eagerly did these washer- 
women devour the spiritual food ! After expressing 
their sympathy for me, under my trials, we sang: 
"Oh, do not be discouraged," etc. After prayer I 
left a Bible for Mrs. M., and promised one to her 
neighbor, which she received thankfully. 

Widow Mc. was reduced to poverty, though she 
had enjoyed all the luxuries of life while her husband 



202 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

lived Her cough had worn her down considerably, 
and she appeared consumptive. Her three boys were 
all at work, their wages aggregating about seven dol- 
lars a week, on which they managed to subsist. She 
was, I doubt not, a pious Christian ; a member of 
Morris Chapel. We had a pleasant season of reading 
and prayer. 

Poor, old friend Henson, colored, lay dying in a 
room where the sun never shines. He was suffering 
great pain, but was joyful in all his tribulations. He 
said: "I bless God for my afflictions, they have 
done me good. They have led me to Christ." He 
was quite joyful while we sang, "On Jordan's stormy 
banks I stand." We were happy, and he clapped 
his hands* for joy. Some of the neighbors came in, 
and we had a sweet season of prayer. The dark 
room was made light. 

Old Daniel Parker died at three this morning, after 
a long sickness. His son came to me in distress, 
desiring I should come and help to bury him. Agreed 
with undertaker Soards to pay $10 for this object. 
He was decently buried the next day. Such calls 
come frequently. 

By request of the late Dr. Wade, I visited his wife 
during her long and tedious illness of consumption. 
These visits were always grateful to the afflicted lady, 
who was a sincere Christian, and a woman of many 
excellences. One visit, occurring shortly before her 
death, is thus recorded: 

December 1 6, 1859. — Poor Mrs. Wade is very low ; 
nearing the eternal world, and longing to depart to 
be with Christ, which is far better. Sweet submis- 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 203 

sion and resignation to her Father's will sustain her. 
She said: "I'm a poor sinner, but can lay myself at 
the feet of Jesus. It is hard to die, such a long 
struggle." I read to her the fifteenth chapter of 
First Corinthians: "O death, where is thy sting? O 
grave, where is thy victory?" which greatly cheered 
her heart. 

December 23, 1859. — Not until I reached the door 
and saw the emblem of death, did I know of the 
departure of our dear Christian sister. She died in 
the Lord, in the full triumph of faith. Before breath- 
ing her last, she stretched forth her hands and said : 
"Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. He has come for 
me. I feel he is with me." She conversed freely 
and earnestly with all around her, and then sank 
away on her pillow of death. She had her desire, 
and died peacefully. 

In this same year (1859) died a most excellent lady 
and friend of this mission, Mrs. Niles, who for many 
years had been a member of the Ninth Street Baptist 
Church. She was one of the real Marthas of that 
body; with her sister Miss Whipple, and the Misses 
Trevor, Mrs. Jolliff, Mrs. Crawford and many others, 
ready for every good work. No church or society 
can prosper without such women. May God multi- 
ply their number. Living in her elegant home, sur- 
rounded with all the luxuries of life, this lady was 
still the humble, sincere Christian. My last visit is 
thus recorded: 

' ' Called on Mrs. Niles and had with her a very pre- 
cious interview. She is very feeble, but quite sub- 
missive to the will of God. Her language was: 'I 



204 S1ATION HOUSE LODGERS. 

have no will of my own ; I feel entirely reconciled to 
his will. Oh, how merciful he is to me. This blessed 
hope enables me to look on death with calmness.' 
She talked in this delightful strain for some time. 
Referring- to her early years of devoted labor in the 
cause of Christ, she said: 'All that is nothing, I don't 
want to think about that ; but I love to think of what 
Christ has done for me.' Whilst speaking of the 
conversion of her children, she was affected to tears. 
All but the youngest have given their hearts to 
Christ. She trusted she also would, and hoped her 
death might be the means of bringing her husband to 
Christ. I read, 'For we know that if this earthly 
house of our tabernacle were dissolved, ' etc. A few 
days after, this child of God sweetly fell asleep in 
Jesus. Her prayers were graciously answered. Her 
life and example of active benevolence have been a 
great blessing to the church and the city " 

STATION-HOUSE LODGERS. 

For a number of years, homeless, penniless wan- 
derers have sought shelter for the night in our police 
Station-houses. Those who visit these places in the 
depth of winter, will find the greater part of the 
occupants have been drinking. The sight is sicken- 
ing, the stench dreadful, and the language profane. 
What to do with these people is a difficult question 
to solve. In some cities they are compelled to work 
for their breakfast ; in others, they are arrested , in 
other places, driven away. In our city they are 
permitted to sleep on the floor, and are sent off in 
the morning to get their bread where they can. 



ST A TI0N-I10 USE L OD GERS. 205 

Many drunken men sleep here in winter, and occa- 
sionally sober, industrious people, in quest of work 
and out of money, are obliged to spend the night 
among this exceedingly disreputable class of men 
and women. 

In my visits I have found both men and women, 
once in good circumstances, brought down to this 
degradation, entirely through strong drink; only a 
step more, and then the prison, penitentiary or 
death. In their sober moments they will weep over 
their miseries; but the appetite has such power, 
they seek again the very thing which is destroying 
them. Nothing but the grace of God can save 
such sinners ; and some have been thus rescued, and 
have become again useful members of society. 
Divine power has done this. Any one having a 
heart for such work, would find it a field large 
enough to occupy him every winter. 

In Glasgow, Scotland, no one is allowed to beg. 
They are arrested, locked up and made to work for 
their bed and board. As a result, they are rid of 
tramps. That is the best solution of this difficult 
question I have known. 

A GLIMPSE INSIDE. 

Under date of January 8, 1859— intensely cold 
weather— is this record of a visit to these homeless 
wanderers: 

Ninth Street Station. — Here were gathered about 
seventy men of all ages, seated and lying on the 
floor. On nearing the place, two poor fellows stood 
by the gate. I asked if they wanted a night's lodg- 



20(5 STRANGERS' HOME. 

ing. They said, "Yes." We walked in, and the 
keepers opened the inner prison, and there what a 
scene ! The odor from whisky, dirt and tobacco 
was appalling. Many were fast asleep, but on men- 
tioning bread they waked up ; and I went with two 
of them to the bakery and purchased a dollar's 
worth of bread. Before breaking it we had prayer; 
and giving thanks, I broke each loaf into four pieces, 
and how thankful these men were ! how they did 
eat! It did me good to see them. Here was an old 
man of seventy; there a youth of seventeen; a man 
of forty, and so on. They were all respectful. 
One man said, "This is a new idea." Another, 
' ' Nobody ever did this before. '.' " The Lord reward 
you, sir, " said others. Messrs Smith and Armstrong 
came in, and we bought more bread for the Sabbath. 
This work of giving bread to these lodgers went 
on night after night until March. Benevolent men 
furnished money for the bread, and I found a ready 
worker in James Ransley (deceased), all the season. 
We were led to understand the words of Christ 
most thoroughly, " It is more blessed to give than 
to receive." This kind of benevolent work contin- 
ued during nine winters. We found, whilst helping 
some few poor unfortunates, there was a larger 
number of men and women who loved liquor, and 
continued their evil habits without trying to reform 
and lead a better life. 

STRANGERS HOME. 

Several members of the Young Men's Christian 
Association assisted in this work. Its President, 



STRANGERS 7 HOME. 207 

H. T. Miller, warmly recommended it as a good 
field for young Christians to expend their time and 
talents. This led to the opening of the Strangers' 
Home, on Central Avenue near Front. It was an 
old warehouse fitted up with bunks. Coarse blank- 
ets were furnished, with conveniences for washing. 
In 1868, I made thirty visits to the Home; in 1869, 
made forty- three; in 1870, thirty-one; and in 1871, 
this Home was abandoned. Sixteen years have 
passed away, and there has been no organized effort 
to help these people. Many persons scoff at the 
idea, and call them hard names; but that will never 
reclaim or redeem them. 

A single glance inside this Home may interest 
the reader. Here is the record, January 30, 1868. 

Strangers' Home, — About two hundred here, and 
a most distressing sight — worse than last winter. 
After singing, prayer, and a brief address, I gave 
them tickets for soup. All were glad to receive 
them. Here were old men and young; middle- 
aged, and some ten women. Wrote out a descrip- 
tion for the Gazette, which was published. 

January 31. — Messrs. Carle and Hopkins went 
with me. Mr. Carle said, "I would not spend a 
night here for five hundred dollars." Both assisted 
me in giving out the tickets. Poor creatures, they 
were dreadfully crowded. 

February 1. — Nearly two hundred lodgers here to- 
night. All paid good attention. Many promised to 
go to Bible Class at the soup-house, to hear the word 
and prayer. They sang well, and listened better 
than usual. I pray God they may all seek his 



208 STRANGERS' HOME. 

mercy and grace. Their lot is hard ; but it will be 
much harder in the world to come, if they live and 
die in sin, without hope in Christ Jesus. 

The next winter was quite severe ; thermometer 
down below zero a few days. Much suffering fol- 
lowed. Here are a few of the records: 

December 8, 1868. — Spent much time in getting 
the lodging-house ready. Dr. Howe and myself ran 
hither and thither. We hired Mr. Criswell for one 
week to take care of it; it was in such a filthy con- 
dition. Called on Mr. Wood, who could give us no 
coal from the city. He advised us to meet the 
Committee on Prisons to-morrow. So I promised, 
and we met them. 

December 9, 2 p. m. — Talked the matter over 
with directors, then with certain members of Coun- 
cil. Joseph Seifert, a large-hearted man, promised 
us a load of coal, and also to purchase a stove. 
We thanked him. Ordered a second stove from 
Bro. Bush; and a third one was given us by the 
Fire Department. So we thanked God for success. 
It does not seem that the Council or Committee on 
Prisons did much to furnish coal. 

u But in some way or other 
The Lord did provide." 

December 15. — Visited the lodging- rooms and 
coffee-rooms. Over one hundred were sheltered in 
the former. Mr. Criswell seems to do very well 
with these poor fellows. Collected a little money 
and bought seven dollars' worth of soup tickets to 
give to the lodgers. 



STRANGERS' HOME. 209 

January 3, 1869. — Three young men assisted me 
in the work. There were present about one hun- 
dred men and boys. All paid good attention to the 
word and prayer. Sixty held up their hands while 
we prayed for them. 

And so the work went on until the close. Several 

persons who had been sheltered, wrote letters of 

thankfulness. Many others thanked us as we met 

on the street. 
14 - 



CHAPTER XIV. 

THE FLYING ARTILLERY. 



This company was organized in November, 1858, 
by our esteemed and devoted brother, H. T. Miller, 
then President of the Y. M. C. A. The name was 
bestowed by the reporters of newspapers at that 
time, who gave to the public full accounts of the 
meetings which were held in cities, towns, and 
villages within one hundred and thirty miles of us. 
Columbus, Dayton and Lebanon, in Ohio; Indian- 
apolis, Madison and Lafayette, in Indiana; Louis- 
ville, Kentucky, and many smaller places were 
visited. Members of this energetic company were: 
H. T Miller, O. N. Bush, Judge Storer, Milton 
Sayler, H. W. Brown, L. H. Sargeant, A. E. 
Chamberlain, W. Perkins, Professor Mitchell, G. F. 
Davis, myself, and a few others. This work was 
carried on for only two years. The excitement of 
the presidential campaign, when Abraham Lincoln 
was elected in i860, and the war which followed 
next year, put an end to this organized effort for 
visiting the villages, towns and cities with the gos- 
pel. That much good was done, there was abun- 
dant proof. The uniting of various denominations in 

(210) 



THE FLYING ARTILLERY. 211 

spreading the gospel, was good; stirring up the Sab- 
bath-school workers, was good ; and urging church- 
members to more increased consecration to God, 
was good; and last, but not least, all who took part 
in these meetings were greatly blessed. Resident 
pastors of the places visited lent their influence, as 
did many prominent laymen. No collections were 
made at the meetings; our traveling expenses were 
met from other sources. Both railroads and steam- 
boats were very generous in this .matter; and the 
hospitalities of the people were beyond praise. At 
Lafayette, Indiana, our host prepared such a quan- 
tity of roast quails and prairie chickens to refresh 
us, we had never before nor since seen so many 
on one table. Somehow these birds don't come to 
the homes of missionaries; but in olden times they 
flew all around the camp of the Israelites. Never- 
theless, this is true of every one of -Christ's servants, 
"My God shall supply all your need, according to 
his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." A faithful 
promise. 

Our first trip began November 24, and lasted ten 
days. Brother Miller and myself went through the 
entire circuit, holding two and three meetings each 
day. A i"ew extracts of these visits will be read, we 
trust, with interest and profit. 

Reached Hamilton about 9 a. m. Rev. H. M. 
Richardson met us, and escorted Bro. Bush and 
myself to the residence of Mr. Tanquiry, where we 
were entertained in princely style. They are Bap- 
tists, and made us heartily welcome. By Dr. 
Falconer's request, I went to visit a poor, dying 



212 THE FL Y1NG ARTILLER Y. 

man, an infidel and blasphemer. He was in the last 
stage of consumption. A very intelligent man, had 
traveled nearly all over the world; yet a stranger 
to the mercy of God, for which he was praying. 
He received my visit kindly, and listened to the 
word and prayer. He desired me to call again, if 
possible. Bro. Bush and I went to the High 
School, where we addressed the students, briefly, 
on the great salvation. We closed with the song, 
then very popular — 

"Say, brothers, will you meet us 
On Canaan's happy shore?" 

Mass-meeting for Children, 3 p. m. — Methodist 
Church nearly full. A most interesting time. Meeting 
lasted two hours. Evening. — A crowded house. 
Judge Storer made an impressive speech. 

November 25 . — TJianksgiving Day, Middletown. — 
Children's Meeting quite large. We had a precious 
time. Evening. — Baptist Church full, and a very in- 
teresting service. 

November 26. — Franklin. — Charles Butler met us, 
and took us to Mr. Schenck's, where we were enter- 
tained. We addressed the District Schools. Mass- 
meeting of children, who sang cheerfully and listened 
attentively. 6:30 P.M. — Church crowded. The meet- 
ing lasted three hours. Many persons sought our 
prayers. The meeting was very precious. 

November 27. — Dayton. — Deep snow and heavy 
rain, which doubtless prevented any one meeting us. 
Thane and I found a warm reception in the house of 
Bro. Brown, after the meeting at our Brother Craw- 



THE FL YING ARTILLER Y. 213 

ford's. Children's Meeting held in Clegg's Hall. 
Nearly full. Bro. G. F. Davis spoke. Evening. — 
Brethren Beggs, Storer and others spoke. 

November 28. — The Sabbath was spent in Dayton 
very pleasantly. Our force was divided, and we vis- 
ited several schools. The mass-meeting was held in 
Raper Chapel. Evening meeting at the Baptist 
Church, which was well filled. Every member of 
the company took part in the service. Many wept 
and sought our prayers. 

November 29. — Early morning prayer-meeting 
quite full. A solemn time. When the meeting had 
been held an hour, a brother arose and requested it 
should go on another half-hour. It did so. Our 
hearts were melted in Christian affection. Soon after 
we were all whirled away over the rails to 

SPRINGFIELD. 

Here a host of warm-hearted brothers met us, and 
carried our baggage and received us to their homes 
and hearts with great cordiality. Mr. Doty was the 
leader. Bro. Thane Miller and I went to one of the 
best houses. The proprietor was an elder in the Pres- 
byterian Church. He gave us a sumptuous dinner. 
Children s Meeting. — Presbyterian Church was crowd- 
ed, the largest meeting we have held. Evening. — 
Crowded. The services were solemnly impressive. 
I was the guest of Rev. Mr. Findlay, who, with his 
excellent wife, made our visit very pleasant. Next 
morning we started before breakfast by an early 
train to 



214 THE FL Y1NG ART1LLER Y. 

YELLOW SPRINGS, 

Which we reached at 8:15 a. m. Bro. William 
Ewing and others met us, and took us home, where 
an excellent breakfast was provided. After family 
prayer, our kind friend took Bros. Miller, Bush and 
myself a drive to see the Presbyterian Church, which 
was being prepared for the meeting. 

ANTIOCH COLLEGE. 

We called on President Horace Mann, who re- 
ceived us very courteously. We stated the object of 
our mission, which he approved. He invited us to 
dine and take tea with him. We invited him to the 
meeting and he came. Bro. Miller and I took tea 
with him. Children's Meeting was large, and all 
seemed much interested. Our friend Ewing drove 
us over his farm, down a deep valley, thickly wooded, 
and up the other side, a most romantic drive. Only 
a skillful hand could have guided our ponies through 
this thickly-wooded forest. We came to the log cabin 
where lives the Irishman. We found plenty of 
chickens, turkeys and pigs. Here also was the green- 
house, full of plants and many flowers in full bloom — 
a refreshing sight. He then drove to the top of a 
lofty ridge only about twenty feet wide. The view 
of the river was most enchanting. What it must be 
in the summer, when all the foliage is green and the 
air filled with songs of birds, we can only imagine. 
He showed us rude and rugged rocks, where springs 
of water were oozing out, and beds of water-cresses 



THE FL Y1NG ARTILLER Y. 215. 

were growing in wild luxuriance. They tasted much 
the same as those in England. We then visited the 
real Yellow Springs All the gayety, fashion and 
folly had disappeared. A few children were at play. 
The water oozes from the rocks and stains everything 
yellow, yet it looks clear, and is soft to the taste. 
After wandering over the grounds, we visited the 
cascade, a small waterfall, wild and romantic. 

Children's Meeting. — We held a meeting for chil- 
dren over two hours, yet none seemed weary. Prof. 
Mann was present. Children sang heartily. Bro. 
Miller and I took tea with Horace Mann, who was 
most polite and gentlemanly. He spoke of the stu- 
dents recently expelled. Bro. M. said: "We should 
like to know what you think of Jesus Christ." He 
told us with reluctance "he thought him the best 
man who ever trod the earth," but nothing more. 
He was evidently reluctant to speak the real princi- 
ples he holds. We talked kindly with him over an 
hour. He was mild and pleasant. But oh! my heart 
was grieved to see. one with such an intellect without 
a hope in Christ. We parted sorrowfully. I urged 
him to read the eighth chapter of Romans and pray 
for light. He promised. My prayers shall rise to 
God on his behalf. He invited us to visit the College 
and conduct the chapel services. We did so, 
Evening Meeting. — Crowded. A very solemn time. 
We passed the night with Bro. B., Methodist, in 
the family of Mr. C, excellent people. One of 
the young ladies remarked she thought all the speak- 
ers at the meeting were Methodists. She was 



216 THE FLYING ARTILLERY. 

surprised when told two were Baptists and two Pres- 
byterians, and not a single Methodist. But we were 
all one in Christ Jesus. We had a precious time at 
family worship. Sweet memories are connected with 
these visits. 

December I. — Bros. Brewster, Ewing and others 
went with us to Antioch College. The President was 
sick and unable to be present. Bro. Miller read 
ten verses of the fifteenth chapter of Luke, and com- 
mented very forcibly on the words. There was great 
silence and solemnity among the two hundred stu- 
dents, who paid good attention. Lord, bless thy 
word. We passed through some of the recitation- 
rooms, spoke briefly and sang with the students. So 
w r e parted with these dear friends. 

Our kind Bro. E. took us in a double carriage 
with his two fleet ponies all the way to Xenia. On 
our way we called at a country school-house. By 
permission of the teacher we addressed some twenty 
pupils, sang and prayed. 

Three miles further brought us to Old Town, a 
small village, where the boys had just been dismissed 
from school and were eating dinner. Thane asked 
them if they would like to have some singing. They 
all replied "Yes. " We all jumped out and found in 
the room twelve girls and their teacher. We started 
three boys out to bring in any others they could find. 
Over a dozen came in breathless. We talked, sang 
and prayed. Soon all were in tears except three. 
We shook hands with them and they sobbed aloud. 
We urged each one to "Seek the Lord while he may 



THE FL YING ARTILLEB Y. 217 

be found; and call upon him while he is near." The 
teacher was deeply impressed. We had meat to eat 
which the world knew not of. Our hearts were 
greatly refreshed. We felt the power of the Holy 
Spirit. 

XENIA. 

It was fifteen minutes past one when we reached 
this beautiful place. The children were flocking to 
the church. We had a hasty dinner and soon began 
the exercises with singing "I want to be like Jesus." 
It was a good meeting. Evening Meeting. — Quite full 
and of an interesting nature. The two Browns, who 
came from Dayton, spoke first in a solemn and im- 
pressive manner. They left in the midst of the meet- 
ing. We all stood and sang, "Say, brothers, will you 
meet me?" The effect was solemn and indescribable, 
as the deputation and President joined hands while 
singing. Each of the others spoke or prayed. The 
meeting lasted three hours. None were weary. 

December 2. — Early prayer meeting in the Baptist 
Church. A precious time. We parted with these 
dear friends with loving mutual expressions. Soon 
we whirled away to 

DEERFIELD, 

Where we staid an hour and twenty minutes at the 
school-house. Here we sang, talked and prayed with 
the children, who seemed greatly delighted. This 
interview was not on our programme, but we felt it 
was a good opportunity of preaching Christ to the 
young. 



218 THE FL YING ART1LLER Y. 

LEBANON. 

This was the last place visited during this trip. 
Bro. S. met the omnibus and gave us directions where 
to stay. Bro. B. and I went to Mr. B. 's, a splendid 
mansion on the hill. Others were equally well en- 
tertained. Children s Meeting. — Crowded, and one of 
the best of the series. Services lasted two and one- 
half hours. At first the children were backward in 
singing, but after a little they joined heartily. Par- 
ents and teachers seemed equally delighted Evening. 
— Judge Storer, Professor Mitchell and all the others 
spoke. This meeting seemed more solemn than all 
the preceding. Bros. Bush, Brown, Dunton and I 
sang a new song: 

1 'Depth of mercy ! can there be 
Mercy still reserved for me ?" 

The effect was soul-moving. Bro. Miller then sang, 
"Oh, there will be mourning at the judgment-seat of 
Christ." The vast congregation sang, ''Come to 
Jesus just now." The meeting lasted three and one- 
half hours, but few left the house. All felt it good 
to be there. Jesus was with us indeed. 

Thus ended the ten days' missionary tour. The 
seed of the kingdom was sown in the hearts of thou- 
sands of people. Our families were glad to welcome 
us home again. We thanked God that not a single 
accident befell any of us. His blessing attended 
these meetings. 

Our next trip was down the river to Madison and 
Louisville, which occupied the last six days of 1858. 
We started on Christmas Day on board the Tele- 



THE FLYING ARTILLERY. 219 

graph, at noon. Our party consisted of H. T. Miller, 
Judge Storer, Messrs. Milton Sayler, Brown and 
Elstner. There were about sixty passengers on 
board. We were served with a sumptuous dinner, to 
which we all did justice, after which we held a meet- 
ing in th^ "Texas" among the waiters, who listened 
quite seriously, and declared, "This is something 
new ; we should like it oftener." In the ladies' cabin 
we held another meeting for an hour. Most of the 
cabin passengers were present, and were interested. 
Many pleasant acquaintances were formed from this 
meeting. Most of us took part in speaking or prayer. 
From the captain down to the lowest officer, all 
treated us with great kindness. They took us all free 
of charge. We reached 

LOUISVILLE 

About 9:30 p. m., and vere met by Bro. Tyler and 
six others, who escorted us to their homes. 

Sabbath, December 26. — Our company was di- 
vided. We visited several schools, I at the Jeffer- 
son Street. I addressed Isaac Russell's. There were 
not present thirty children. Usually they have 150; 
but it was Christmas, dark and very wet. 

Walnut Street Baptist Church (Dr. Everts). — Only 
about sixty present. Dined with Dr. Everts and 
family. Went with two little girls to a colored Sun- 
day-school. There was only one little boy present. 
Perhaps the others came late. Our experience was 
varied, you see. 

Mass-meeting. — Very large attendance. A goodly 
number of unruly boys were present, who taxed our 



220 THE FL YING ABTILLER Y. 

greatest ingenuity to interest and instruct. In sing- 
ing some of them fairly hollowed. I addressed Bro. 
Adams' Church (colored), and Milton Sayler followed 
in very pertinent remarks. 

With the missionary at Butcher Town, held a good 
meeting. Prayer and conference meeting at 9 a. m. not 
very large. Bro. Brown went with me to the Epis- 
copal Orphan Asylum, where we held a precious 
meeting, sang, talked and prayed one hour. 

The Jacob Strader. — We started on this splendid 
steamer for 

MADISON, INDIANA. 

We reached it about 5 p. m. On the way, by per- 
mission of the captain, we held a meeting for an 
hour in the ladies' cabin. Most of the passengers 
were present. All our hearts were refreshed by this 
service. A gentleman from Mansfield, Ohio, spoke. 
Evening Meeting. — Quite large and of an impressive 
character. I was the guest of my kind friend, Mr. 
Trow, who, with his excellent wife and family, were 
formerly residents of Cincinnati, and whose kind 
hospitality will be long remembered. 

December 28. — Prayer- meeting from 9 to 10:30 
A. M. well attended. An aged man said : "I've been 
praying that the Spirit of God might come with 
these brethren, and my prayer is answered." It was 
a precious season. 

We visited the jail and held services with prisoners 
and then with the jailer's family. The services were 
appreciated. 

Children s Mass meeting. — Wesley Chapel was filled 



THE FLYING ARTILLERY. 221 

with an appreciative audience. I read of Joseph 
being sold by his brethren. The singing was ex- 
cellent. Brethren Sargeant, Chamberlain and I 
addressed the meeting. Evening Meeting. — Court- 
house crowded. Judge Storer spoke for an hour 
words of solemn warning and entreaty. Others fol- 
lowed. A deep religious interest was manifested. 
Thus closed a series of precious meetings in Madison. 
December 29. — Early in the morning we took the 
cars for 

INDIANAPOLIS — I 10 MILES. 

Reached the city by 1 1 a. m. Were met and 
welcomed by kind friends. Elstner, Perkins and I 
staid with J. M. Ray, banker, a most excellent, pious 
family, Presbyterians. They were the best behaved 
children we had seen in a long time. At family 
prayer, both morning and evening, every member 
read the Scriptures verse by verse, and all joined in 
singing while one of the ladies played the piano. 
These seasons of prayer we all enjoyed. 

Children 's Mass-meeting. — Only sixty present, and 
these scattered over the building among two hun- 
dred adults. We were sorely disappointed, and so 
expressed ourselves. Evening. — Rather better at- 
tendance. Judge Storer spoke fifty-five minutes. The 
rest of us occupied the remainder of the time. 

With Bro. Perkins I went to the jail, where we 
sang and exhorted and prayed with twenty prisoners, 
six of them boys. All paid good attention to the 
word, and kneeled down while we prayed. May the 
Lord pity and save them. 



222 THE FLYING ARTILLERY. 

December 30. — Early prayer-meeting well attended 
— basement full. I spoke of the constant suppers, 
church fairs and parties held through the season as 
undermining religion, turning the heart from Christ, 
and totally unfitting us to "Rescue the perishing, or 
care for the dying." Others followed with earnest 
words and prayers. 

Blind Asylum. — Rev. Mr. Simmons, Perkins and I 
went to this institution. The inmates all joined us 
in singing, 

"Alas ! and did my Savior bleed ! 
And did my Sovereign die." 

I narrated the incident of the blind boy Copaul of 
Burmah, who found Christ and salvation, and died 
in a miserable hut in the presence of his heathen grand- 
mother, uttering the words: "Tell the missionary the 
blind boy sees. Tell him I see Jesus. I glory in 
Christ! I glory in Christ! I glory!" Thus he 
died. Many of these blind people wept at this re- 
cital. They were all earnestly entreated to trust in 
that Jesus who saved the poor blind boy. Bro. P. 
followed. After prayer we closed this precious meet- 
ing with singing — 

' 'Say, brothers, will you meet me 
On Canaan's happy shore?" 

Bro. Simmons said that that song was worth one 
thousand dollars to these blind people. We had an 
early dinner with our friends, and started by rail for 
Lafayette, sixty-five miles. Had a good time to con- 
verse with people on the cars, and to distribute 
tracts. Had some pleasant conversation with stran- 



. THE FL YING A RTILLER Y. 223 

gers on the journey. ' 'A certain man drew a bow at 
a venture." That arrow fulfilled its mission and the 
divine declaration. 

LAFAYETTE, INDIANA. 

December 30. — Reached this place amidst a 
drenching rain. Our friend Underwood met us at 
the station and conducted us to the hall, when lo! 
it was locked. The key was brought, and soon we 
were seated, but where, oh, where, were the children? 
We staid until 4 130 p. m., when some fifteen children 
and several adults assembled. Our brethren were 
sorely disheartened by this small gathering. Had 
we rung a bell outside the door, we might have se- 
cured a much larger audience than we found. Our 
host provided a sumptuous supper of quails and 
prairie chickens, and did all he could to make our 
visit pleasant, but somebody forgot to gather the 
children. Evening. — Judge Storer spoke an hour to 
a larger audience than we had in the afternoon. 
Others followed. 

December 31. — After an early breakfast got on 
board the cars at 5 130 a. m. All the brethren were on 
time, and Bro. U. saw us safely on board, and bade us 
God-speed. We sang several hymns on board. One 
was: " We're homeward bound." And every one of 
us rejoiced that it was so. We were all longing for 
home. The iron horse glided o'er the rails beauti- 
fully. It was clear and cloudless, the only day we 
had seen the blue vault of heaven. It was a beauti- 
ful sight to behold the rising sun. Oh, may he arise 
on my soul with healing in his beams. The forest 



224 THE FLYING ARTILLERY. 

looked dreary enough. Trees of all sizes were lying 
in all directions, rotting in the swamps. It is a real 
ague country, full of swamps, and as level as the 
wide ocean. We were mercifully preserved in jour- 
neying, and on reaching Indianapolis we met a Chris- 
tian brother who gave us all passes to Cincinnati. 
Thus the Lord opened many hearts. Reached home 
at 2 P. m., to the joy of our families, and grateful to 
God for all blessings. Thus ended our visit to Indi- 
ana. The seed sown was not all lost. The time will 
come when sowers and reapers shall rejoice together. 

NEW RICHMOND, OHIO. 

Part of our company visited this place, January 14 
and 15, 1859. Quite a band of Christian men met 
us at the landing and took us to the Methodist 
Church, which was nearly filled with children. We 
held a most delightful service. G. F. Davis and my- 
self occupied the time in speaking. Children sang 
with great spirit. Evening. — Presbyterian Church 
crowded to its utmost. A very solemn feeling pre- 
vailed. May it prove a lasting blessing. Deacon 
Morris hospitably entertained us. He has long since 
gone to his heavenly home. He was a warm-hearted, 
pious man. 

January 15. — Morning meeting well attended, and 
a blessed time. We parted with our friends in tears. 
All seemed affected. The Lord was there with his 
mighty Spirit. Our hearts seemed sweetly melted, 
while we clasped hands and sang, "Say, brothers, 
will you meet me?" These dear friends accom- 



THE FL TING ARTILLER Y. 225 

panied us to the ship. A free passage was given us 
on board the Lancaster, a fine boat. How good the 
Lord is to his children. 

From a letter, by a brother in New Richmond, we 
learned great good had resulted from our visit there, 
in the quickening of Christians to greater consecra- 
tion to the service of God. 

PATRIOT, INDIANA, 

Is about 150 miles from here, on the river bank. 
Brethren Davis, Brown, Fallis and I went to this 
town of about seven hundred souls, most of them 
renowned for their ungodliness. Universalism is 
rampant. Swearing, drinking and many abomina- 
tions prevail here. 

Children 's Meeting. — Not large, but they were in- 
terested in G. F. Davis' discourse on "Sowing and 
Reaping." "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he 
also reap." Evening. — Tolerably full, and we believe 
God was glorified. Christ was preached as the power 
of God and wisdom of God. I spoke on prayer: 
"Do you pray?" A solemn meeting. Whilst waiting 
at the wharf-boat we sang many gospel hymns. 
Many friends thanked us for the visit, and hoped we 
would come again. 

PIQUA, OHIO. 

February 9. — With Judge Storer, O. N. Bush and 

J. W. Shipley, I went to Piqua by the 6 A. M. train. 

Did not reach our destination until 10:15 A. m. The 

iron horse gave out for want of steam. The wood 

was green and wet. No accident befell us, thanks to 
15 



226 THE FL YING ABTILLER Y. 

God. Warm-hearted friends greeted us and took us 
to their homes. My host was Bro. Garvey, who, 
with his family, gave us a cordial welcome. 

Children's Meeting. — The large hall at the High 
School was filled with about five hundred children and 
three hundred adults. A most blessed meeting it was. 
Their singing was delightful and their attention to 
speakers excellent. Evening Meeting. — Methodist 
Chapel full, both galleries and basement. Judge 
Storer led the exercises. A deep religious feeling 
pervaded this large assembly. 

February 10. — By request of one of the teachers 
I addressed the students on "The necessity of giving 
their hearts to God in youth." Their attention was 
quite admirable. 

New Richmond was again visited February 12 and 
April 24. Always attended by large audiences and 
a warm welcome to the delegates. 

April 28. — A special meeting was held at Concord, 
O., at the request of our friend Schultz, a resident of 
Branch Hill. Some years later he was killed by a 
railway accident. 

Newtown, ten miles east, was visited several times 
in this and other years, and with good results. 

PortsmoutJi. — With Bro. Miller and others wo held 
meetings here of a very pleasant character. Dr. 
Wyeth, pastor of the Baptist Church, met us. He 
is now one of the editorial staff of the Journal and 
Messenger. Rev. Ross, Presbyterian, and several 
others met us, and, though the Children's Meeting 
lasted two and one-half hours, none seemed wearied. 
The evening meeting was especially solemn. Many 



THE FLYING ARTILLERY. 227 

persons wept under the word. All hearts seemed 
touched by the Spirit of God. 

This chapter will be closed with a brief account of 
visits to Ironton, Hanging Rock and Pine Grove. 

July i, 1859.— G. F. Davis, H. T. Miller, O. N. 
Bush and I went on board the Boston at 6 p. m. We 
held a very delightful meeting on board, at which 
nearly all the cabin passengers attended. 

July 2. — Slept only a few hours. The jarring, 
squeaking, ringing and screaming of a steamboat 
give lands men but little rest. Halted at Portsmouth 
twenty minutes. J. H. Kelly and lady came on 
board, and made themselves known to us. They 
pressed me to get off with them five miles from Iron- 
ton, and promised to be at the meeting on time. 

After resting' awhile at Bro. Kelly's, his daughter 
Mary went with me to visit several families. Found 
an aged man rather sick, with whom we sang and 
prayed. He and his wife were refreshed by the visit. 
Mrs. M. has a daughter in Cincinnati nearing death. 
None of the family are religious. Asking for a 
Bible, the lady brought me the five Books of Moses, 
with Commentary. Read the twenty-second chapter 
of Genesis — Abraham offering up Isaac. Called on 
a distressed looking woman who had a cross child. 
It would cry, so I could neither read nor pray. Ex- 
horted the mother to seek an interest in Christ. Lord, 
help and pity her. At another place, in the woods, 
the woman would keep on sewing while I spoke of 
Jesus and everlasting life. Her aged father came and 
sat on the doorstep during prayer. After dinner we 
drove to 



228 THE FL YING ARTILLER Y. 

IRONTON, 

Five miles, over a very rugged road ; but, thanks to 
a gracious God, we reached our destination safely. 
Saw children and people wending their way to the 
plow factory, where were soon gathered two thou- 
sand people. All the schools in the vicinity were 
invited, even the colored, and they had a good place 
near the platform. It was a most excellent meeting. 
It surprised us to see where these people came from, 
but the coal and iron mining districts swarmed with 
people. We were as glad to speak as they were to 
listen. 

At night the Presbyterian house was quite full. 
Each of us spoke solemn words of warning and 
entreaty. As we sang — 

"Depth of mercy ! can there be 
Mercy still reserved for me ? 
Can my God his wrath forbear, 
Me, the chief of sinners, spare ?" 

It seemed as though the power of the Holy Spirit 
pervaded the entire assembly. Many sought our 
prayers. 

PINE GROVE. 

July 4. — I slept in the basement of the Baptist 
Church, in Rev. G. Leonard's study. Awakened 
early by the ringing of bells and firing of cannon, 
announcing the day of the Nation's birth. After an 
early breakfast, took the train to Pine Grove. The 
road winds among hills of the wildest character. We 
passed through a tunnel cut out of solid rock. Sev- 
eral coal-mines are along this route. We took on 



THE FL YING ABTILLER Y. 229 

board a whole Sabbath-school. At our destination 
we were met by carriages which conveyed us to Pine 
Grove Furnace. Behind the residence of our host, 
Mr. Peebles, is a grove where the meeting was held. 
About sixteen hundred people were present. Each 
of the delegates spoke, after which a dinner-table 
three hundred feet in length was set, on which was 
laid an abundant supply of provisions, which disap- 
peared with amazing rapidity. After dinner another 
meeting was held, which the miners and their chil- 
dren enjoyed greatly. 

HANGING ROCK. 

Three of us then went to this wonderful place, 
where we held a very solemn meeting. Several wept 
in the audience and sought our prayers, among them 
a number of boys, who were deeply impressed with 
the services. Staid the night at Mr. Hempstead's, a 
very hospitable family. After breakfast he took us 
to the real Hanging Rock, behind his house. It rises 
some three hundred feet above the river. From the 
top of it we had a most enchanting view, both 
up and down the river for miles, and of the fields 
and hills of Kentucky. We made a brief visit to a 
country school, and held a good meeting. 

Pine Grove is five miles from Hanging Rock. The 
road, though rough, runs through a romantic region. 
Mr. Peebles showed us the entire process of making 
pig iron, which was quite interesting. The vast fur- 
nace in which the iron ere is melted, the molten iron, 
as it rushes through the opening, filling up every 
trench, the whizzing steam, were all new to us. 



230 THE FL YING ABTILLER Y. 

Thousands of tons of iron are here turned out every 
year. Is it not rightly called "the king of metals" ? 

Mr. Peebles treated us more like princes than 
messengers of the gospel. He had prepared a 
sumptuous dinner for our refeshment. After a brief 
religious service with the family, we bade them fare- 
well, parting from these dear friends with prayers for 
God's blessing. At the Rock we called on a few 
friends at Mr. Rogers' pleasant home. There were 
several children here, with whom we sang and prayed. 
They had a picnic party in the woods. Soon after, the 
steamer Ohio No. 3 came along, and we bade all 
these dear friends good-by. On the boat, on our 
way home, we held a good meeting. 

Thus ended this delightful trip. Perhaps the reader 
is weary of these recitals of this band of earnest 
workers. Be assured every one of us will remember 
these visits to the end of our lives, and probably in 
heaven above. Eternity alone will reveal all the 
good accomplished by this mission, which was un- 
dertaken, carried on and consummated for the glory 
of God, the salvation of souls, and for the stirring 
up of Christians to more entire consecration to 
Christ. Every member of the delegation loved the 
others with a pure heart fervently, and for our leader, 
H. T. Miller, every one had the profoundest esteem. 
Judge Storer and G. F. Davis have gone to their 
rest and reward some few years since. God grant 
that every one of us, with our beloved friends who 
helped us and entertained us, with the thousands of 
children and adults to whom we preached the gospel, 
may meet in the kingdom of heaven. 



CHAPTEE XY. 

VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 



A DYING MAN S FAITH. 

After a long and severe affliction, in which he was 
wonderfully sustained, Mr. C. died in the full hope 
of pardon through the blood of Christ. His be- 
reaved wife expressed full confidence in his salvation. 
In describing the closing scene, she said : "I can not 
weep. God has been so merciful, I know he will 
provide for me and mine; I'm sure he will." Her 
prayers have been fully answered. He who promised 
to be the husband of the widow and father of the 
fatherless, has fulfilled his promises. Blessed be his 
name. 

A DYING MOTHER. 

Mrs. L., after a long and trying illness, borne 
with great patience and fortitude, entered the rest 
remaining for the people of God. Her last hours 
were quite affecting. Her husband desired me to 
sing the verse — 

"Oh, for an overcoming faith, 
To cheer my dying hours; 
To triumph o'er the monster, Death, 
With all his frightful powers." 
(231) 



232 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

Prayer was then offered, whilst seven weeping- 
children and their father kneeled by this dying bed. 
What a spectacle ! Why does God take away a 
mother from her children ? Who can answer this ? 
Verily, ''His way is in the sea, and his path in great 
waters, and his footsteps are not known." And our 
blessed Jesus says: "What I do thou knowest not 
now, but thou shalt know hereafter." Lord, help us 
to wait 

SOME REMARKABLE WOMEN. 

During years of suffering and feebleness resulting 
from old age, four of these Christian women, whom 
I loved to visit — and they were equally glad to hear 
the word and prayer — finished their earthly mission. 
All were in good circumstances, living with their 
children. Two of them resided in fine mansions on 
Fourth Street. 

Mrs. Lee, at the advanced age of eighty five, em-* 
ployed much of her time in knitting socks for our 
soldiers. While her needles were busy she would 
say: "I can't do much for our country, but I can 
knit socks for our poor soldiers." Dozens of pairs 
of warm socks were sent by her through the Chris- 
tian Commission to the soldiers. Her sincere sorrow 
for the sick and wounded was often expressed in 
tears and prayers. A woman of strong faith, she 
had served God for over sixty years, and witnessed 
to his love and faithfulness. Her son, R. W. , was a 
sincere friend of the mission, and contributed liber- 
ally to the tent-meeting expenses. This mother in 
Israel was gathered in "like a shock of corn in his 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 233 

season." Many years later the son followed 'his be- 
loved mother to the heavenly home. 

Mrs. Worthington, mother of Lewis Worthington, 
suffered a long affliction, but was graciously sustained 
by the presence of Christ. Often she desired to de 
part and be with Christ, which is far better. In her 
son's elegant home she found all her temporal wants 
supplied. Her end was peace. She had passed her 
four-score years. Her son was also a liberal sub- 
scriber to the mission. He, too, has gone the way 
of all the earth. Oh, Death! what a destroyer thou 
art. Thou dost spare no age or condition. 

Mrs. Crossman, another truly pious woman, mother 
of a large family, many of whom survive, was afflicted 
for over eight years ; unable to visit the house of God, 
but a most diligent student of the Bible. She formed 
the habit of studying the Best of books before leav- 
ing England. Her afflictions were many, and, though 
often severe, were borne with patience and resigna- 
tion. Often she quoted the words of the poet — 

"How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, 
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word." 

Most of the promises of God were experienced in 
her life, and were her constant comfort. Ministers of 
God often left her bedside instructed by this aged 
saint. Some months before her death she requested 
me to preach at her funeral, on I Cor. xv. 57: ' 'Thanks 
be unto God who giveth us the victory," etc. Her 
last words when dying were : ' 'Jesus is so precious. " 
She was buried March 5, i860. One of her favorite 
hymns was sung: "As when the weary traveler 



234 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

gains." A large number of friends attended her 
funeral. 

Mrs. C., also an octogenarian, was for many years 
an invalid, but found a pleasant home with her 
daughter, Mrs. B., whose devotion to her mother 
never flagged. Every visit, during many years, re- 
freshed my spirit. The prayers and sympathies of 
these blessed women greatly cheered the missionary's 
heart. Bright was her hope, happy was her heart, 
in view of the promised rest, which she entered joy- 
fully after suffering according to the will of God. 
This excellent woman died August 26, 1857. 

SICK AND POOR. . 

In a dark room I found Mr. K. very sick, with 
pain in his chest — had spit blood. His wife, a fine- 
looking young woman, and her brother were in the 
room. The brother answered the door and reluctantly 
let me in ; but I soon found the key to the sick man's 
heart, and theirs also. After some talk I proposed 
to read the word and pray. Read the fifth chapter 
of Romans, expounding and applying as I went 
along. The sick man was quite interested, and 
spoke out his convictions. In prayer the wife and 
brother kneeled with me. My soul yearned for their 
salvation. There was weeping; the Lord was there, 
indeed. The room was so dark at midday as to 
need a candle, but the Lord gave us light. They 
pressed me to call again. I did so eleven days later, 
and the wife stated that her husband had entirely 
quit drinking, and was studying the Bible daily. He 
was inclined to go to meeting, and hoped he would 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 235 

yet become a good man and a sincere Christian. 
Urged her and her brother to seek the Lord while 
he may be found. They both promised. 

AN AFFLICTED FAMILY. 

Here was a widow's child, his mother also sick, 
and her little girl sick with measles. With these 
I conversed and prayed. Poor and industrious, 
they strived to live honestly. Two of the boys 
worked. One had his leg broken while sled- 
riding, and was laid up seven weeks. This poor 
widow with five children has had a hard time to get 
along. These are the poor who need help, and should 
receive it. Of those who are able to help them, Job 
says: "I was a father to the poor, and the cause 
that I knew not, I searched it out." "Go thou and 
do likewise." 

An aged Scotch woman, Mrs. Wilson, unable to 
leave her room through bodily infirmities, found her 
greatest comfort, when alone, reading her Bible. 
She and her husband resided in a single room in the 
third story of a tenement-house. Whilst we were 
talking one day, I said: "Suppose there should be a 
fire in this building, what would you try and save 
first?" "My Bible," was her instant reply, casting 
at it a loving glance. "You value it more than your 
clock, or bed, or trunk?" "Yes. More than all 
things in the house." These people were very poor, 
lived on a very slender income; but they thanked 
God, and had a blessed hope of a better life Her 
bodily affliction, brought her to the grave. Before 



226 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

death she often said: "I wonder what John will do 
when I'm gone?" Poor John! he grieved sincerely 
over her death, and, when past working, found 
refuge in the Infirmary, where he died. Shortly be- 
fore the wife's death, as I entered the room, one hot 
day in July, I found her reading, by the light of a 
candle, the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. She said : 
"Ay, man! it's a fine chapter is that." Precious 
indeed! "And don't the Apostle speak real beau- 
tiful about the Christian's faith." We soon entered 
into a lively conversation about the blessed home 
beyond the grave. 

KILLED BY A STREET-CAR. 

Summoned to the bedside of a man who had 
been run over by a street-car. On reaching the 
spot I met the men from the hospital with the 
stretcher all blood-stained. The amputation had 
just been completed, but the physicians gave no 
hope of his recovery. Reaching the house I found 
the poor man, Charles C, an Englishman, was dy- 
ing. Two men were fanning him. In half an hour 
he breathed his last. His distressed wife spoke not 
a word ; they kept her from him. She leaned on my 
arm whilst I tried to comfort her and the family with 
the consolations of religion. Both sons and daughters 
wept piteously. It was truly a mournful scene. 
Several physicians were there, but none could save 
him. Crowds of curious people surrounded the 
house, who were kept back by the police. This was 
an awful day for that family. May God sustain 
them. 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 237 

A SAD CASE. 

On a dark day in November, i860, I called on 
Mrs. O'Connor, a widow, and found there a poor, 
heart-broken young- woman, who had been betrayed 
and deserted. She had been wandering about the 
streets with her babe in her arms, vainly searching 
for a home, and could find neither work nor a place 
of shelter ; so she came to the humble room of this 
poor widow. She wept as she told her sorrows. My 
heart was touched by the recital, and I promised to 
help her. Prayed with her and the widow who took 
in the stranger. Called on Dr. Aydelott, whose 
kind-hearted wife said they did not intend taking in 
any more women with children, and advised me to 
see others. As no one wanted this poor woman, I 
advised the widow to care for her one week, and I 
would pay for her. She agreed. A home was finally 
secured. 

This is one instance of a large class found in our 
city. Their case is pitiable. The guilty man gen- 
erally escapes punishment, and worse, goes on in his 
career of vice, and makes light of his guilt. Can 
nothing be done to check this wickedness? Can 
nothing be done to punish these men who are de- 
moralizing society ? Is not the Seventh Command- 
ment as binding on men as "Thou shalt not steal"? 
The Bible declares that "Marriage is honorable in 
all, but adulterers and whoremongers God will 
judge." There will be no appeal from that judgment. 
Let both men and women watch and pray against 
this sin, which seems 01 late years to have fearfully 
increased. 



238 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

SICK, POOR, AND YET RESIGNED. 

Such was the condition of Widow Jones. Her 
daughter left her place to wait on her mother. Will 
not God bless such a child ? Her brother works 
faithfully, and his slender earnings form their main 
support. Her bed-clothing was insufficient for win- 
ter. "Be ye warmed and be ye clothed." I deter- 
mined to help this family to food and clothing, and 
the blessing of the widow and fatherless was a sweet 
recompense. 

A year before the war there died an excellent 
Christian woman, whose sympathies for the oppressed 
often found expression in deeds as well as words. 
Many an escaping slave found in her home both food, 
shelter and pity. Mr. B. died some years before. 
It was my lot to visit her in her last sickness. Listen 
to the record : 

October 22, i860. — My aged friend, Mrs. B., 
gently sinking into the dark valley. Her hands were 
cold, water pressing her brain ; but at intervals spoke 
of the joy in her soul, which was unspeakable and 
full of glory. As I shook hands with her, she said: 
"It is a pity for any one to put off the concern of 
their souls till they come to die. Quite enough to 
bear the pains and weakness without the anxiety of 
seeking for mercy." She then sank into a quiet 
sleep, and waked not when I prayed and bade her 
good by. On awaking her joy was very great. She 
wanted all the world to know of the preciousness of 
Jesus. Next morning this aged Christian fell asleep. 
Of her it may be said — 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 239 

"Asleep in Jesus ! Blessed sleep I 
From which none ever wake to weep ; 
A calm and undisturbed repose, 
Unbroken by the last of foes." 

Some twenty years later her daughter S. followed 
her mother to that bourne from whence no traveler 
returns. Her brother Thomas was stricken with 
paralysis in 1875 while visiting his sisters, and was 
confined to his bed eleven years. During most of 
the time I visited him. His sight remained good, 
but how he endurea his long confinement in utter 
helplessness, God only knows. His sufferings ended 
January 5, 1886. It was a merciful deliverance. 
His devoted wife waited on him with untiring devo- 
tion, and was broken down in health and died some- 
few months before her husband. It was my lot to 
attend both funerals, and offer such consolations as 
the word of God supplies. May all their childre'n 
and children's children meet in the kingdom of 
God. 

ANOTHER SAD CASE. 

Baker Lyon, a young man of twenty-one, was 
very sick with typhoid fever, an affection of the 
lungs and deafness. He was very feeble. I could 
scarcely make him hear a word. So I wrote on a 
slate, "Do you love Jesus?" He answered, "Yes, 
I do." "Shall I pray for you?" "Yes, if you will." 
As I kneeled in prayer he burst into tears, and 
continued weeping until I left the room. After 
soothing him I wrote, "Look unto Jesus and all will 
be well." In a few days death relieved him from all 
his sufferings. 



,240 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

AN AGED COLORED WOMAN. 

Aunt Elsie Nettles, though very poor, and afflicted, 
won the hearts of a few tried and true Christian 
friends. The Taylors and Shipleys were specially 
kind. H. H. S. said he often went in that dark 
alley to have his faith strengthened. Her simple, 
hearty trust in Christ, and thankfulness for her mer- 
cies, made us all feel ashamed of ourselves. When 
nearing death, January, 1862, she expressed un- 
shaken, confidence in Christ. Her feet were always 
planted on the ''Rock of Ages. " That blessed name 
above every name was still on her heart and tongue. 
Her exclamations were : "Oh, Jesus, take me! Take 
me home ! Come, Jesus, take me !" Whilst we 
sang she was very happy. Prayed with her for the 
last time, expecting, by the grace of God, to meet 
her among the redeemed in glory. At her funeral 
her few faithful friends were present, and a dozen 
colored people. We sang, "On Jordan's stormy 
banks I stand," and, at the close of the services, 
"Hea/en is my home. " She was about one hun- 
ched years old, and left behind her a living testimony 
that she loved Christ. Our Lord has declared, 
"Many that are first shall be last, and there are last 
that shall be first." Many of God's children are poor 
in this world, yet they are rich in faith, and heirs of 
the kingdom. 

CONSUMPTION. 

Every year contains a long list of deaths from 
consumption. No class of society escapes this malady. 
While passing along the street one day a group of 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 241 

boys were quietly talking about diseases and death. 
One of them remarked, "There is only one disease 
I'm afraid of; that is consumption." Most of the 
lads coincided with him. The Health Officer for this 
year (1887) reports deaths from consumption as head- 
ing- the column of all other causes of death. The 
question has been asked for years, "Is there no 
cure ? Is there no effective remedy?" And in every 
year some one advertises, "A certain cure for con- 
sumption." Men try it and it fails. Mankind may 
rest assured that if any one does find a cure a hand- 
some fortune will result from the discovery. 

A Doctor of Divinity once said: "Nearly every 
consumptive dies a peaceful, happy death." This is 
true of many ; but there is still a vast number who 
die in their sins, and will not entertain the thought 
of death, neither will they permit others to speak of 
it in their presence. Infidels, scoffers at religion, 
immoral and ungodly people whose vices have 
brought on the disease, are of this class. Their 
deaths are terrible. Some have said: "I won't die; 
I can't die; don't let me die; it is all dark." Some 
of these have come under my visits. Let their names 
and lives sink into oblivion. 

Let the reader ponder the cases of five young girls, 
all under eighteen years of age, who died of this 
much-dreaded disease in the years 1861 to 1863. 
Long confinement to the sick-room gave them good 
opportunity for repentance and salvation. Some of 
them sought Christ early in life. 

After tea spent an hour with Martha Smith. Her 

countenance looked brighter, and her heart was much 
16 



242 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

lighter than on a previous visit. She enjoyed hear- 
ing of Jesus. His name to her seemed like ointment 
poured forth. So happy was she in him, that all fear 
of death was entirely removed. There was no ec- 
static joy, but peace and calm pervaded her spirit. It 
must have been "the peace of God which passeth 
all understanding" which held her near the cross of 
Christ. It must have been that which Paul describes 
in the fifth chapter of Romans: "Therefore, being 
justified by faith, we have peace with God through 
our Lord Jesus Christ." An English lady was here 
who talked to her very earnestly on these precious 
truths. We sang that precious hymn — 

" Jesus, my all, to heaven is gone, 
He whom I fix my hopes upon ; 
His track 1 see, and I'll pursue 
The narrow way till him I view." 

The dying girl said: "How sweet! That hymn 
was never so sweet as now." She expressed a long- 
ing desire that her father, mother and sister might 
be converted and become Christians. Her father 
was present and heard the expressed desire. This 
dear sufferer seemed happier than I had ever seen 
her. It was my last visit. Four days afterward her 
spirit took its flight to the realms of peace. By her 
request I preached her funeral discourse. There was 
present a large number of sympathizing people. Her 
parents were deeply affected. May God grant that 
they, with their friends, may live for Christ. Then 
to die will be eternal gain. 

Emeline E. rather better. She spoke of the loving- 
kindness of God to her from childhood. She appears 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 243 

to have passed from death unto life, and rejoices in 
Christ Jesus. She expressed the desire to live for 
Christ, and yet was submissive to his will. She de- 
sired singing and prayer. Her sister requested us 
to sing, "Heaven is my home!" The dying girl ex- 
pressed her wish to see all the family converted, also 
her schoolmates in Baker Street Sabbath-school. 

A month later the sufferer had a severe hemor- 
rhage from the lungs; but was calm, trusting in 
Jesus only. This was my last visit. A few days 
after she entered the land of rest. Her father, after 
weary months of suffering, died in peace. The rest 
of the family removed to Colorado. 

The mother of Alice died, and left her in charge 
of four small children. Her father was in California 
seeking gold, and sent home money enough to keep 
his children. Either through hard work or exposure, 
this young girl of sixteen was afflicted with con- 
sumption. Snow was on the ground -at my first visit. 
She lingered until July, when her spirit departed to 
be with Christ. When I first visited her she was 
anxious about her soul. "If I die, where shall I 
go ? If this disease brings me to death, am I ready ?" 
were questions which troubled her. As the truths 
of the gospel were presented, she wept freely, and 
often expressed her desire for pardon through Christ. 
God was gracious to her and heard her prayers. She 
found peace in believing, and that peace continued 
until the day of her death. 

Some two months before death she was removed 
from the hotel where she had boarded to a private 
house. My last visit will never be forgotten. Near- 



244 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

ing the valley of death, she desired us to sing. Some 
five or six of her schoolmates were present. We 
sang many hymns amidst a fearful thunder storm. 
The singing gave great delight to the dying girl. 
After prayer she desired one more hymn to be sung; 
for, said she, fi l shall soon be with Jesus, and I hope 
all of you will meet me there." 

"Jesus, lover of my soul, 
Let me to thy bosom fly," 

was sung, and I bade her farewell on that Friday 
night. On the following Sabbath, as Rachel, her 
school-teacher, was watching, she said, ' 'Please read 
me the fourteenth chapter of John." While the 
teacher was reading the verse, "I will come again 
and receive you to myself," she exclaimed: "Oh, 
Rachel, Jesus has come ! Jesus has come ! Lord 
Jesus, receive me." Her spirit took its flight in a 
moment to his presence, where there is fullness of 
joy and pleasures forevermore." What a blessed 
death ! Many years later, after a life of Christian 
activity, the teacher followed the scholar to the 
realms of peace. W 7 hat shall we say to these things? 
"He hath done all things well." 

The following case of consumption was probably 
brought on by excessive toil and privations. Her 
mother was left a widow, and rather feeble ; so the 
bread was earned chiefly by the daughter, who was 
skilled in washing and ironing. Their home was one 
of the most unpleasant you can imagine ; near the 
river, between a lot of railroads, the noise of which 
was at times deafening. The house was a one story 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 245 

frame ; not a sprig of grass, tree or flower to be seen 
anywhere. Here this faithful girl lived, toiled, 
prayed and died. The cold of winter was trying, 
and the heat of summer dreadful, especially on 
washing and ironing days. 

Under the prayerful training of a pious mother, 
Julia gave her heart to God when but a child. Soon 
after uniting with the church she became a teacher 
in our Sabbath-school ; always prompt, wet or fine, 
hot or cold, and the children loved her. She sought 
to bring every one of them to Christ. She also 
taught in a mission school. Disease at length over- 
took her. Some call it hasty consumption. Her 
illness did not last many weeks. Always calm and 
peaceful, and entirely resigned to the will of God, 
her chief concern was about her mother. "How will 
she get along when I am gone? Who will care for 
her? What will become of her?" were questions 
which often occurred, and were settled by such 
promises as, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake 
thee;" "The Lord will provide;" "Bread shall be 
given thee, and thy water sure." 

My last visit, made in July, was very precious. 
Here was a faithful young teacher about to close her 
earthly mission. After reading and prayer, I bade 
her good-by. On reaching the door, she called me 
back, and said: "There is not a cloud between me 
and Jesus. Bless the Lord!" Her mother wept 
tears of joy. Shortly afterward the sufferer breathed 
out her life into the hands of Jesus. "Not a cloud 
between me and Jesus, " the last expression of a faith- 
ful, earnest Sabbath-school teacher ! Will not every 



246 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

one thus employed pray, "Let me die the death of 
the righteous, and let my last end be like hers" ? 

Katie A., after two years' lingering sickness, died 
of consumption. No particular pain, but constant 
weariness, wore down this poor, frail child's life. Her 
sister, some years before, had died of the same mal- 
ady, and then her father. Two brothers, of other 
diseases, had passed away soon after reaching man- 
hood. So my visits to the family have been con- 
tinued, more or less, over thirty years. From a very 
small child Katie attended Sabbath-school all along, 
until when about fifteen the strange disease kept her 
at home. The New Testament and Psalms were 
read through and through, and the Book was always 
near at hand. Conscious of her unworthiness, it was 
by long and prayerful efforts she was enabled to be- 
lieve on Jesus. Then peace, which comes through 
pardoned sin, was hers, and, after some months, she 
fell asleep in Jesus. Two brothers still survive, and 
the aged mother is so afflicted as to be unable to 
attend the meetings of the Union Church, of which 
she has for many years been a faithful member. Her 
daily prayer is that both her sons may become Chris- 
tians. 

A REMARKABLE CONVERSION. 

It was on the 1st of August, 1865, whilst visiting 
a lady. She told me of the serious illness of her 
husband's brother, J. T. On saying, "I will go and 
visit him," she answered: "It will be no use, for he 
is not religious, and makes light of it, and I'm afraid 
he won't let you see him." Straight from her door 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES, 247 

I went, praying that I might speak some word of 
consolation to him. The afflicted man's wife an- 
swered the door, saying: "My husband is very ill, 
and there is not much hope of his recovering, but 
I'm afraid he won't let you see him." At my re- 
quest she went upstairs and asked him. To her 
surprise, he said : "Yes, by all means, ask him up- 
stairs." After telling me of his sufferings, and how 
the doctors said but few men of his age (nearly 
seventy) ever recovered from the dropsy, he said: 
"Not one of them gives me hope of recovering." 
Of religion, he said: "There are so many things in 
the Bible I can not reconcile or understand. " "That 
is true; and so there are thousands of things on 
earth we can not understand. How does the food 
we eat become blood ? How does the single grain 
of corn grow and yield one or two hundred just like 
the one you plant? We eat when hungry, and can 
not explain the operations of digestion, nor even 
how water quenches thirst; yet we all eat when 
hungry and drink when thirsty." "That is all true." 
"Yes; and so are the teachings of the Bible true. 
There are mysteries which the mightiest intellect 
can not explain ; but all the essential truths for our 
good on earth, and our eternal welfare, are plainly 
written and easily understood. We are guilty. 
Christ is the only Savior. We must repent, and be- 
lieve on him ; then we shall have everlasting life." 

On asking, "Do you ever pray?" he answered, 
"Yes, I've prayed thousands of times to my Maker." 
"Is there no answer?" "No, all is dark as 
midnight." "You do not pray aright. " "Tell me 



248 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

how, for I want to be right. I'm willing to take the 
lowest place in my Father's kingdom." "Did you 
ever pray to Jesus?" "No, never." "Then you 
can not be saved unless you do. The dying thief on 
the cross prayed to Jesus, and he was saved. You 
must take your stand by him and say, 'Lord Jesus, 
save me.' Will you do it ?" 

There was a struggle for a few moments. His 
dear wife was sitting by the bed listening. After a 
deep sigh he said, "I will!" I said, "Thank God, 
Jesus will save you." Mrs. T. burst into tears — 
tears of joy and gratitude— that her husband had 
promised to call on the name of the Lord. Whilst 
praying, his heart was melted down in contrition. 
He thanked me ; asked me to call as often as 
possible. Again he promised to call on Jesus to 
save him. 

A few days later he said : "I can see the light. I 
believe Christ has heard my prayer." On the third 
visit he said: "My crimes are all removed. I can 
see Jesus who died on the cross for my sins. I be- 
lieve on him with all my heart. I thank you a thou- 
sand times for showing me the way." He continued 
talking in this happy frame of mind for some time. 
The word of God was indeed meat and drink to his 
soul. My visits continued until he died, September 
2, 1865. On one occasion some one had brought 
him a splendid white lily. As I pointed to it ad- 
miringly, he exclaimed: "I am the rose of Sharon, 
and the lily of the valley." "That applies to 
Christ." "Yes, and his name is on my heart every 
hour and every day 1 I thank you a thousand thou- 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 249 

sand times for telling me of him." This expression 
he often used. His faith in Jesus grew stronger day 
by day. He spoke of Christ to others, and had 
letters written to entreat his old friends to seek sal- 
vation. 

After his conversion, some of his friends, who 
were skeptics, as he had been, called, and they said : 
"Uncle J. has gone crazy. He don't talk the same 
as he used to." If to confess sin and believe in 
Jesus is to go crazy, would to God thousands of such 
men would become as this man was. His end came. 
All was peace. He died firmly relying on that Jesus 
who saved the dying thief. 

By his request, and that of the family, I preached 
his funeral sermon in Union Chapel, Seventh Street, 
from these words : ' 'God be merciful to me a sinner. " 
A large congregation assembled, among them many 
worldly men and skeptics. May God grant the 
mercy he sought and found, may be sought and found 
by all who knew this remarkable man. 

"Is not this a brand plucked from the burning?" 
Dr. Watts long ago taught us to sing — 

"Wonders of grace to God belong, 
Repeat his mercies in your song." 

A TENEMENT HOUSE, 

Inhabited by colored families, was often visited in 
these years. An aged widow, Mrs. W., endured 
affliction ten years, entirely dependent on others for 
her sustenance. The woman renting the house gave 
her a room in the garret, and oftentimes her daily 
meals. It was one of the few striking cases of the 



250 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

poor helping one poorer, and this was done for sev- 
eral years. In the winter months it was to me a 
pleasant task to furnish coal and contribute other- 
wise to this sufferer, who thanked me in words like 
these: "God will bless you for being kind to a poor 
old woman like me." Her ejaculations were often 
accompanied with tears. At length the old building 
was sold, or rather the ground on which it stood. 
She was removed to the Infirmary, where she died 
in that blessed hope which lifts the soul above the 
billows of death. She has gone to dwell with Christ, 
which is far better. 

DOES JESUS LIVE HERE? 

Coming down from the garret one day, my atten- 
tion was arrested by loud talking in a room on the 
ground floor. After a knock at the door, a woman 
answered by opening it. I inquired: "Does Jesus 
live here?" She smiled and said: "I think not; I'm 
afeared he never comes in here." "Well, I don't 
think I'll come in." "Oh, yes, do; perhaps he'll 
come in with you." So I went in. The room was 
all in disorder, children dirty ; their father, stupefied 
with liquor, sitting on an old chair. After quoting 
many precious Bible texts, such as, "Seek ye the 
Lord while he may be found;" "Come unto me, all 
ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give 
you rest," etc., we had a season of prayer. The 
poor woman's eyes were suffused with tears as she 
said: "God bless you, come again; you've done 
us good." All were exceedingly quiet during these 
exercises. 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 251 

Some years passed on. The oldest girl died of 
consumption, in the faith of Christ; then a brother 
of nineteen, of the same disease. Both these received 
my visits gratefully, and were blessed. One brother 
married and went to St. Louis. Another brother 
worked as message-boy in the City Hospital for some 
seven years, was afflicted, lost his mind, and died 
in Longview. The father kept on steadily drinking, 
and died in the Hospital without hope. He refused 
the consolations of the gospel, and died, I fear, in 
his sins. 

Bereaved of all her children and her husband, this 
poor woman rented a small room in an obscure street, 
but could not earn her living. Feebleness and old 
age compelled her to give up. and, following my ad- 
vice, she sold her furniture, and left ten dollars in 
my hands to bury her. Several times during her last 
years in the Infirmary, she said: "Your asking me 
that day, 'Does Jesus live here?' set me thinking, 
and I went to praying, and the Lord heard my 
prayers. I bless his name." She united with a 
Methodist church, and continued an upright Chris- 
tian woman until her death. I bless God for being 
permitted to direct wandering sinners to Christ. 

DISTRIBUTION OF CLOTHING. 

It will be interesting to kind friends who have sent 
clothing for distribution, to know something of the 
recipients, especially the ladies of Springdale, who 
have sent forty or fifty newly-made garments every 
year for over twenty years. God does bless them 
for this. Only a few cases can be referred to. 



252 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

Mrs. H was left a widow with three small boys. 
The clothing made by the ladies just fitted them. 
They were sent to Sunday-school, and in due time 
went to work. All are industrious young men. One 
is married. They take care of their mother, who 
toiled for them in their younger days. She has 
great comfort in her children, who thus honor their 
mother. 

Mrs. U. became a widow. Having five hungry 
boys to feed, they were helped, and worked on Sat- 
urdays, whilst scholars in the day-school. These 
boys (now young men) are all industrious. Some are 
married, and their mother is taken good care of in 
her old age. God be praised. 

Mrs. McK. became a widow thirty-two years ago. 
Of feeble health. Sustained a mother of eighty for 
a few years. Her four boys and girls went to work 
when quite young. All worked faithfully and man- 
aged to get a bare living. Their earnings were small. 
The oldest boy got tired of work, and went with bad 
boys, and kept away from home some few years. 
He was taken sick, and, mother-like, she took him 
home to die. 

Her children take care of their mother, who is now 
quite old and feeble. Many a time has she blessed 
us for what we did in the time of her trouble. 

Mrs. H., blessed with five children, had a husband 
with but little energy, and no ambition to provide 
for his family. After long sickness he died of dropsy. 
He always received my visits thankfully. Food, 
clothing and coals have been given many past win- 
ters, and we were glad to help them. Now, after 



I 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 253 

many years, the children are able, and do take care 
of their mother. Her crippled boy sold newspapers 
for some seven years, then was taken sick from ex- 
posure, and died. 

Many other like cases receive help, but we need 
not refer to them or write of them now. May God 
bless them all. A little help in the time of need 
does prove a great blessing. 

Among the middle class of people, who, by their 
honest industry, always provide for themselves and 
families, I have found many warm friends. They 
neither ask for nor receive pecuniary aid, but they 
do love Christian sympathy in times of sickness and 
death. Let me here refer to one such case. 

More than twenty-five years ago I was called to 
visit a lady, Miss D., who was the main support of 
her mother. Though brought nigh to death, God 
was pleased to answer prayer in her behalf. Soon 
after recovering she united with a Baptist church, 
and continued her industrious .habits, maintaining 
herself and mother quite comfortably. She intro- 
duced me to a married sister, whose children were 
sometimes sick. After awhile her husband, an in- 
dustrious mechanic, died. The widow, by the aid 
of her children, has lived all these years in a com- 
fortably furnished home. They all work. 

After awhile the aged mother was taken ill, and, 
through many weeks, received my visits thankfully, 
saying: "I'm quite sure the Lord will reward you 
for being so kind to us in the time of trouble. " She 
died in Christ, resting on the promise : "I will never 



254 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

leave thee, nor forsake thee." In early life she had 
been a member of a Dunkard church. I preached 
her funeral sermon ; also that of her husband, who 
died a few years later. The unmarried daughter still 
lives in comfortable circumstances. An occasional 
call leads her to express in words and deeds her grat- 
itude for past ministrations in the times of trouble. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

THE BIBLE EXCLUDED FROM OUR 
PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 



One of the darkest days in the history of Cincin- 
nati was November I, 1869, when the Bible was cast 
out of our public schools by the School Board, and 
was forbidden to be read to the children. This dread- 
ful act was performed by infidels and Catholics. An 
infidel introduced a resolution in July, which aroused 
the Protestant community. Ministers preached 
against the measure. Public meetings were held 
denouncing the scheme in unmistakable terms. Pe- 
titions were numerously signed by the best citizens; 
prayers were offered against the measure ; yet, in spite 
of all these demonstrations, this terrible deed was 
accomplished eighteen years ago. "Yes," said a 
Christian lady, "and they have been years of sin 
and darkness. We are now reaping the bitter fruits 
of this wicked deed." This is a common sentiment 
expressed by thoughtful people. 

Yet the Bible had been read in our public schools 

for over sixty years, and its teachings were made 

known to the rising generation with good results. Is 

there a living man or woman on earth who was made 

(255) 



256 BIBLE EXCL UDED FROM P UBLIC SCHOOLS. 

worse by reading the Scriptures? Has it not been 
the means of blessing millions of people? Let the 
enemies of God's word name any book which has 
blessed the world as the Bible has done! "The fear 
of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." How can 
we know his will except through his word ? "If they 
speak not according to this word, there is no light in 
them." "Train up a child in the way he should go, 
and when he is old he will not depart from it." How 
can a child be trained aright without the Bible ? Re- 
ject the ten commands, and what then? Reject 
Christ Jesus, the Son of God, with all his blessed, 
holy instructions, and what then? Is it not a long 
step toward barbarism? Reject the foundation of all 
knowledge, the only authentic history of man, the 
book of purest morals, and the only one teaching us 
the way of salvation, and we lose the book which 
throws light on the grave and beyond it. And this 
was done to please men awfully mistaken about 
public morality. 

Men like Mr. Abner L. Frazer, Mr. Ferry and 
Dr. Lilienthal, and others, stood up nobly for the 
book of God ; but all their efforts were overcome 
by the enemies of God and man. Even in the Su- 
perior Court, a majority of one decided the case, and 
so the Bible has been a proscribed book ever since, 
- so far as our city is concerned. All good people 
rejoice to know that the Bible is read daily in most 
of the schools in Ohio. Some school boards have 
the fear of God in their hearts. 

The efforts of ministers and laymen, while the 
matter was pending in the School Board, were un- 



BIBLE EXCLUDED FROM PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 257 

stinted and praiseworthy ; but when the deed was 
done all their efforts ceased, and not a single move 
ment has been made to restore the Bible back again. 
We are worse than the Israelites who let the ark 
remain in the hands of the Philistines. They mourned 
after the ark of God. Do we mourn and pray that 
the children among us may listen to its holy teach- 
ings? This is one of the saddest features of the 
affair. Twice has the matter been brought before 
the Cincinnati Evangelical Alliance ; but no one has 
seconded it, and so the matter dropped. During 
the sitting of the Church Congress, in our city, 
in 1885, the subject of the Bible in our schools 
was spoken of; but no action was taken. The in- 
difference of Christian people to this infamy is a 
sad proof of a low state of piety. People are per- 
ishing for lack of knowledge, and the knowledge of 
God and of Jesus Christ is to be obtained through 
the Bible. The law of Ohio permits the Bible to 
be read in public schools. Our School Board -for- 
bids it! 

There is now no standard of. morals among all the 
books in our schools, because the only perfect stand- 
ardly cast out and ignored Can a just God look on 
this dreadful act with indifference? Impossible ! God 
is jealous of his word. Does he not say, "Is not 
my word fire?" Saints of old said: "Thy word is a 
lamp to my feet, and a light unto my path ; sweeter 
than honey, or the honeycomb. Man doth not live 
by bread alone, but by every word of God shall he 
live." And yet the bread of life is taken away from 
the children. 



258 BIBLE EXCLUDED FROM PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

Mark the results which have followed the expul- 
sion of the Bible from our schools. Very soon after 
all the city laws regulating the observance of the 
Sabbath were lepcalcd by the City Council. This was 
done with a fiendish kind of delight. Men who did 
this, "gloried in their shame." Then the saloons 
opened wide their doors on the Sabbath. Many of 
them kept open all night, thus tending to a fearful 
increase of crime. Sunday newspapers were multi- 
plied. Theaters were all opened on the Sabbath, 
both afternoon and evening. Hill-tops were opened 
in full blast, dealing out to people what Dr. Robert 
Hall declared of liquors, "Liquid fire! and distilled 
damnation !" The fearful murders which followed 
led to the rioting and burning of the Court-house, 
and the slaughter of some two hundred innocent 
men. They who have broken down these barriers 
of society, "have spwn the wind, and reaped the 
whirlwind." Theirs will be a fearful account to ren- 
der in the day of judgment. May the Lord have 
mercy upon them. 

What is the condition of our city to-day ? In- 
firmaries overcrowded ; lunatic asylum so full that 
new buildings are needed ; the jail full of criminals, 
and the city work-house crowded, with over seven 
hundred prisoners ! In view of this sad state of 
affairs, it is asked, "What ought to be done ?" By all 
means, restore the Bible back again to our schools. 
Let the School Board be requested to rescind tJie 
resolution passed eighteen years ago, and permit or 
require each teacher to read at least one chapter from 
the Bible daily to the children. 



BIBLE EXCL VBED FROM P UBLIC SCHOOLS. 259 

But who shall move in this matter? Will it be 
successful ? It seems to the writer that the Evangel- 
ical ministers of the city should press the matter on 
the School Board, as a duty we owe to the next gen- 
eration ; as a preventive of crime ; as an elevator 
to the morals of society; as a step toward the better 
observance of the Sabbath. Have men forgotten 
what Christ declared? "The Sabbath was made for 
man, and not man for the Sabbath." The thousands 
of people employed on the Sabbath surely need a 
day of rest, as much as the hod-carrier, the brick- 
layer, or carpenter. Yes; the Sabbath was made for 
man, for his best good, for his present and eternal 
welfare. God threatened Israel with desolation be- 
cause they kept not the Sabbath. He said: "Then 
shall the land enjoy her Sabbaths." He still declares 
to us : ' 'Ye shall keep my Sabbaths. Ye shall rever- 
ence my sanctuary. I am Jehovah." 

A. L. Frazer, in a recent letter to the writer, says : 
"One of the duties of Christians at this time is to 
uphold the Bible and the Sabbath. Too much can 
not be done in this direction." Let us use every 
effort to spread abroad the truth of God — to circulate 
his blessed word — to read it, especially among those 
w r ho neither read it nor hear it preached; above all, 
let us seek to have it read in our public schools, for 
the support of which we are all taxed. May we not 
sing with Dr. Watts — 

"The Word is everlasting truth, 
How pure is every page ; 
This holy Book shall guide our youth, 
And well support our age." 



260 BIBLE EXCL UDED FROM P TJBLIC SCHOOLS. 

May God grant the day may soon come when his 
word shall be read in every school in the land. Is it 
not written, "Righteousness exalteth a nation, but 
sin is the reproach of any people. The nation which 
will not serve thee shall perish. The wicked shall 
be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget 
God"? Awfully true are these words, which all his- 
tory confirms. Let us be wise, and seek and serve 
the living God. 



CHAPTER XVH. 

CHURCHES AND SABBATH-SCHOOLS. 



During the past thirty-five years it has been my 
lot to aid feeble churches, in the times of their diffi- 
culties, by giving them the gospel and words of 
cheer. Such labors God has signally blessed; to 
him be all the glory. Also in Sabbath-schools it 
has been, and still is, and will be so long as life lasts, 
the joy of my heart to impart Bible truths to the 
rising generation. This book would be incomplete 
without some reference to these very necessary in- 
stitutions. My connection with Sabbath schools 
began over fifty years ago. The work is now as pre- 
cious as ever. It is written, "The entrance of thy 
word giveth light; it giveth understanding to the 
simple." Surely, it is our duty to give the word to 
the children. — to instill it into their hearts. An emi- 
nent saint has said, "Thy word have I hid in my 
heart, that I might not sin against thee." 

Christ Jesus commands us thus: "Search the 

Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life; 

and they are they which testify of me." He has 

also declared, "The Scripture can not be broken." 

(261) 



262 CHURCHES AND SABBATH-SCHOOLS. 

"Thy word is true from the beginning." "Heaven 
and earth may pass away, but my word shall not 
pass away." It becomes the duty of every parent 
to teach his children the word of God; yet this 
profitable exercise is ignored and neglected by thou- 
sands of people, to the demoralizing of the young. 
God commands it (Deut. vi.), "When thou sittest 
in thy house," etc.; Christ requires it, and the apos- 
tles enjoin it. 

To a small extent, the Sabbath school supplies 
this lack of parental duty; but the teacher has the 
scholars only one single hour in the week; while the 
day-school teacher has them thirty hours a week. 
As one is to thirty, so is the Bible teacher's oppor- 
tunity to the secular teacher's. It is marvelous that 
the children learn so much as they do, with such a 
brief opportunity. Hence the importance of the 
teachers in our public schools being Christians; and 
also reading some Scripture lesson every day. 

Is it not written by one of the wisest and best of 
men: "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God; 
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correc- 
tion, for instruction in righteousness"? Do not the 
children need this instruction? Listen to the pro- 
fanity of boys on the street; read of their depreda- 
tions, their drinking and Sabbath-breaking. Go on 
the Sabbath near the lowest and most debased of 
theaters, and see droves of boys, and girls, too, 
crowding in to witness most demoralizing and de- 
basing performances. It is the shame and dishonor 
of our public officials to allow these things, all in 
entire violation of the laws of the land. When shall 



CHURCHES AND SABBATH-SCHOOLS. 263 

these things cease? When shall we enjoy a quiet 
Sabbath? Will it ever come? God hasten the day! 

High Street Church. — This was the first one to 
which I was called to minister. It had become de- 
moralized, ruined by an unfaithful pastor. The 
house was built ; it stands to day, a solid, stone build- 
ing; but the debt unpaid, it was sold. For nearly 
five years I supplied the congregation, and received 
several members. A few young men, members of 
the Ninth Street Baptist Church, took charge of the 
Sabbath-school, and then expected to do a greater 
and better work by a change of ministers; so I quietly 
withdrew. The minister who followed, preached less 
than a year, and the whole work was abandoned ; and 
this in the time of the war. The house was sold to 
the German Lutherans. May God bless them! 

Freeman Street Baptist Church, in those war- 
times, suffered by its young men enlisting in the 
army; one of whom, by privation and exposure, lost 
his mind, and is in Longview Asylum. His wife 
and both parents are dead. Soon after supplying 
this church, the officials were deliberating on dis- 
banding. Against this I uttered my solemn pro- 
test. They argued, "We are in debt; our house is 
leaking; the former minister and others are gone to 
the war; we had better disband." That was on 
February 17, 1863. 

They agreed to my proposal to pay off the debts, 
and subscribed $200; and the rest, about $600, was 
raised outside of the church; and the house was 
renovated and roofed. The congregation increased. 
Many converts were baptized in the river, sometimes 



264 CHURCHES AND SABBATH SCHOOLS. 

when the ice was floating, with no serious results. 
A soldier from the war, and his wife, were among 
the number; also several young men and women, 
who are fulfilling their mission in other places. 

Young men came down from other churches, 
when all was in good working order. A change 
was made in calling Rev. J. S. Gillespie, who 
preached a year. Then the church, after a time, 
with Rev. S. A. Collins, built the neat brick church 
on Pine Street. The pastor soon afterward died. 
Now, with a devoted pastor, Rev. A. S. Carman, 
they meet in Lincoln Park Church. They have 
been greatly prospered under his labors, and have 
added nearly two hundred to their numbers in two 
years. In all this I do -ejoice, yea, and will rejoice. 
God bless them ! 

Walker Mill Road Chapel.— Now called Bethany 
Mission, State Avenue. The congregation was com- 
posed of Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, and 
others of no church connection. Alternate Sabbath 
evenings I preached for nearly five years. A debt of 
some $200 rested on the Chapel, which was liquidated 
before my leaving. From fifty to seventy persons 
generally attended these services. Mr. Copeland 
pressed me into this service. His family, the How- 
arths, Worths, Dyers, Dodsons, and many others, 
were faithful attendants and workers in their Sabbath - 
school, now more than doubled under the superin- 
tendance of Col. Sidney Maxwell. Duties to 
another church led me to resign reluctantly. I 
rejoice to know the gospel is still preached there, 
after three years of suspension. People living along 



CHURCHES AND SABBATH-SCHOOLS. 265 

that hillside need and should have the gospel. 
Peter R. Neff has done a good part in the past, by 
giving the ground for the Chapel; and soon a large 
and commodious house of worship will probably be 
erected. 

Union Baptist Churchy the oldest of the cclored 
churches, dating its origin from 1 831, formerly 
known as Baker Street Church, celebrated its jubilee 
in 1 88 1. At that time I was serving them as pastor. 
For nearly five years this service was rendered. A 
debt on the church had accumulated, through a series 
of disasters, amounting to about $1,200. This was 
all liquidated, and the house of worship renovated, 
painted and carpeted at a cost of over $600, and all 
paid for before I left. When the last dollar was 
paid, and the house put in good order, there was 
another jubilee of rejoicing. Over one hundred 
members had been added, and the church was in 
good working order to receive its pastor, Rev. A. 
Allensworth, in April, 1885, who staid over a year. 
His successor, Rev. W. H. Burch, is an able, faith- 
ful pastor, and has received many members within 
two years. They greatly need a new house of wor- 
ship. During the past winter, on baptismal and 
other occasions, hundreds of people have been 
turned away, unable to gain admission. A fund has 
been started with the purpose of building a larger 
house on their present location, Mound and Rich- 
mond Streets. They should receive all the funds 
needed from our citizens for so desirable an object. 

Union Baptist Sabbath-school, formerly known as 
Baker Street, has been under my superintendence 



266 CHURCHES AND SABBATH-SCHOOLS. 

since September, 1850. It may be, I have been 
longer over one school than any other man in Ohio. 
Thirty seven years is a long time ; nearly four genera- 
tions of children have passed through in that period. 
Fine-looking men and matronly women, and a few 
preachers of the gospel, occasionly meet and remind 
us of the Sabbath-school days in the past. I was 
urged to visit this school by my esteemed brother, 
G. F. Davis. He was then superintending the 
Ninth Street Baptist Sabbath-school, and said, 
"I can easily get a teacher for your Bible Class; 
but no one except you will go down to Baker Street 
School." 

So I obeyed orders and went, reluctantly leaving 
a class of bright young men. The room was rather 
dark and dingy. About thirty scholars and three 
teachers were present. Our old friend, William 
Corbin, introduced me, and after religious exercises, 
they conferred on me the honor of superintendent. 
This honor has been repeated every year since. 
Very soon the school doubled and trebled its num- 
bers, and God was pleased to bless the work of our 
hands and hearts. 

After conducting the school for two years, teach- 
ers and friends presented me a handsome and costly 
Bible, as indicative of their gratitude. Rev. Mr. 
Adams was then pastor, and he presided at the ser- 
vice of presentation. The house was crowded in 
every part, and the occasion lingers still in the mem- 
ory of those present. Of the four girls who pre- 
sented the book, with a suitable address, two became 
teachers in the public schools; one went to Africa, 



CHURCHES AND SABBATH-SCHOOLS. 267 

and soon after died; and the fourth has also gone to 
her reward. 

Many tokens of their kindness have since been 
presented, thus uniting hearts in Christian love. 
On such occasions all sing with much heartiness — 

"Blest be the tie that binds * 

Our hearts in Christian love ; 
The fellowship of kindred minds 
Is like to that above." 

During the dark days of slavery, many a fleeing 
fugitive found a welcome here. On one occasion, 
Rev. Mr. Mathews, an English Baptist minister 
from Kentucky, came in and related his narrow 
escape from death at the hands of an infuriated 
mob, who threw him into a deep pond nine times; 
at last they let him go, on the promise that he would 
"leave Kentucky, never to return." His offense 
was in saying, "Slavery is a sin against God, and a 
crime against man; that it ought to be abolished." 
For saying this he was ostracised and nearly drowned. 
He received our sympathy and help, and returned 
to England with a sad experience of American 
slavery. 

The four hundreth anniversary of Martin Luther's 
birth was celebrated on Sabbath, November ir, 
1883. Three interesting meetings were held. Rev. 
P. Meredith, of Xenia, preached at 11 a.m., on 
Luther's favorite doctrine, "Justification by Faith." 
In the afternoon, with appropriate singing, three 
addresses were given by R. S. Fulton, Abner L. 
Frazer and W. C. Peale. These speeches were 
highly instructive and appropriate. In the evening, 



268 CHURCHES AND SABBATH-SCHOOLS. 

the pastor spoke of a few leading events in each of 
the four centuries connected with the Reformation 
The meetings were largely attended, and many de- 
clared they never had heard so much of Martin 
Luther before. 

The jubilee of the school was celebrated en May 
II, 1884. A paper on the origin and history of the 
school was read by the superintendent. Many of 
the old scholars, Rev. T. Webb, Rev. R. W. Scott, 
with others, took part in the exercises. In the 
afternoon meeting, W. H. Doane, Musical Doctor, 
led the music, and H. T. Miller, T. Colston, Mrs. 
Jones, Miss White and Fountain Lewis made brief 
addresses. In the evening, speeches were made by 
Dr. W. H. Taylor, G. W. Hays, Mrs. Jennie Wat- 
son and others. The prayers and wishes on this 
interesting day were, that the school might accom- 
plish greater results in the next fifty years, than it 
had done in the past. So far, we bless God that the 
prayers and hopes then expressed have been partly 
realized. Our school has doubled its numbers, and 
fifty-two scholars have been baptized into the church 
this year. Our brother, Fountain Lewis, has been 
a faithful teacher thirty-five years, and has a larger 
class now than ever. May God's rich blessing 
attend all who are engaged in this work of faith and 
labor of love. A missionary society has been or 
ganized to aid the African and Home Missions. Its 
meetings, held monthly on Sabbath afternoons, are 
always interesting. God grant that the school may 
long continue to be a blessing to the youth of our 
city. 



CHURCHES AND SABBATH-SCHOOLS. 269 

Cutter Street School was organized in 1852, and 
held its first meetings at the corner of Clinton, then 
removed to the hall over the engine-house near 
Betts. There were about two hundred children 
gathered in. My pleasant task was canvassing the 
neighborhood for scholars, who were taught by 
members of Ninth Street Church. The engine- 
house was remodeled for a fire-engine, and the 
school was disbanded for want of a suitable building. 

Wade Street School, corner of Central Avenue, 
was organized and had a successful career for a few 
years. Several teachers became weary in well doing 
and it was eventually given up. Both these were 
afternoon schools. It was with sincere regret we 
saw them abandoned. 

Under the Trees. — Another school was organized 
on Mt. Auburn, in 1853, in the summer-time. Quite 
a number of boys and girls met in the rear of R. A. 
Holden's home, to play and sing on Sabbath after- 
noon. Bro. H., with H. T. Miller, G. F. Davis and 
Isaac Russell, thought it would be well to gather 
them together and sing and discourse to them on 
Bible truths. Bro. Russell and myself went up 
there many Sabbaths during the summer. Other 
friends assisted. Over one hundred children gath- 
ered, and they loved to come. When the cold 
weather came, H. T. Miller opened his dining room. 
There the children, at times one hundred and sixty, 
were packed in ; whilst exercises were led by G. F. 
Davis, who for many years following was their faith- 
ful superintendent. 

Then the chapel was built ; then the Mt. Auburn 



270 CHURCHES AND SABBATH SCHOOLS. 

Church was organized; and it has grown and pros- 
pered with the Sabbath-school, now numbering over 
four hundred children, under the superintendence of 
W. H. Doane. Both school and church meet in one 
of the handsomest church-buildings in our suburbs. 
Let no man despise the day of small things. At 
the thirty fourth anniversary of the church every 
member might well have exclaimed, "What hath 
God wrought ?" May this church and school become 
a blessing to thousands. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

PLUM STREET MISSION— 1867. 



One of the most degraded portions of our city is 
the foot of Plum Street. In this vicinity reside in 
the cheap rooms and tenement-houses hundreds of 
people. The Irish and colored people probably pre- 
dominate. A number of beer saloons and whisky 
shops abound, and are sustained by these poor, hard- 
working people, besides many idlers. The profanity, 
fighting, shooting, and murders, which have often 
occurred there, all the result of the accursed, intox- 
icating drink, have given that section a bad name. 
It has been known to the police and others as 
"Hell's half acre." 

Into this terrible place the gospel was carried by a 
few Christian men and myself, by holding outdoor 
meetings in the summer. At times, people being 
filled with liquor, the Irish especially, were so turbu- 
lent that these gatherings had to be given up. Vis- 
iting some colored families, we found a pious old 
lady, Mrs. Harris, and daughter, living among these 
wicked people. We read the Scriptures and prayed. 
Thomas Webb was enlisted in the service. He took 

(271) 



272 PLUM STREET MISSION. 

hold with all his heart, and has labored successfully 
among these people for twenty years. After our 
first meeting, Mrs. Harris offered her room for a 
prayer meeting. It was accepted. Chairs were bor- 
rowed not a few, and many had to stand. The 
meetings were precious. 

Another room was rented. Rough boards and 
chairs were placed in order, and that room was 
crowded. On one of my occasional visits, people 
were packed, and even sat on each other's knees. 
T. Webb cried out, "What shall we do? This place 
is too small for us." "Pray for a larger room, and 
God will give it you," I replied. They did pray, 
and looked around, and looked up. At this time 
drunken men threatened the zealous preacher; but 
God suffered not a hair of his head to perish. People 
were converted, reformed, saved, and the meetings 
went on without cessation. Now and then the police 
were called on for protection. Thus God protected 
and preserved this infant church from destruction. 

The low dance house and whisky shop, fronting 
the river, kept by a colored man, was a prolific 
source of wickedness, and a great hindrance to the 
success of the mission. So the landlord was applied 
to for its use as a Sabbath-school room and preaching 
place. He consented, with this condition : ' 'You must 
get possession as best you can." They refused to yield 
to Bro. Webb; so he said: "Bro. E. , you go down 
there and see what you can do ; we can have the 
place at a nominal rent." I consented. It was a hot 
day in July ; but I girded up my loins and went down 
to ficrht for the mission in "Hell's half-acre." 




Ninth Street Baptist Church. 



PLUM STREET 3IISSI0N. 273 

Entering the saloon I found three men stupid with 
liquor. One stepped out as I entered. The bar- 
keeper was behind the counter. I said, "We want 
this place for a Sabbath-school, and the landlord has 
given his consent. " "You can't have it." "But we 
must." "Who are you, anyhow?" "Never mind; 
we want this place for preaching, and the sooner you 
get out the better it will be for your souls." Where- 
upon he uttered oaths which must not be printed. 
At this juncture the renter of the whisky shop came 
in. Excitedly he inquired, "What's up?" "Noth- 
ing much, only we want this dance house for preach- 
ing. " He replied with an oath: "You can't have it; 
that's all about it. I rent this place." "The owner of 
these buildings has rented it to us, and the sooner 
you go the better. We don't want to use force." A 
few more angry words and oaths, and I quietly left, 
saying, "The sooner you leave quietly the better." 

It may seem strange — it is nevertheless true — this 
man cleared out in about three weeks, and gave up 
the place for the mission. There had been much 
praying by the poor people and ourselves that God 
would so change these wicked men that we might 
have the place. With willing hands and happy 
hearts the beer shop was swept, scoured, walls whit 
ened, and the dance house was turned into .a house 
of prayer. To God be all the glory for such a ter- 
mination of hostilities. "He maketh the wrath of 
man to praise him, and the residue he restrains." 

On the day of opening there was great rejoicing. 
Much prayer in the morning. In the afternoon the 
singing went on with great earnestness for about an 
18 



274 PL DM STREET MISSION. 

hour. "Blow ye the trumpet, blow," and "Glory, 
glory, hallelujah !" were among the favorites. The 
Sabbath-school was organized under its superinten- 
dent, Mr. Joseph Corbin. Preaching was continued; 
numbers were converted, and baptized in the river by 
Pastor Webb. The strangest part of this history is 
that the man who kept the dance house was con- 
verted, and some time afterward he died in the tri- 
umphs of faith. 

For nine and one-half years the work continued. 
The neighborhood was quite changed for the better. 
Policemen acknowledged the reformation, and quiet 
settled upon the vicinity. This place becoming too 
small, the school and church removed to a rented 
store, on Third Street near Elm, where they still 
meet ; but the room is too strait. They need and 
ought to have a good, commodious house of worship. 
Our citizens would do a noble act by helping these 
brethren, known as the "Calvary Baptist Church," 
to a new house of worship. It is said, "God helps 
those who help themselves," and ought not we to do 
the same ? How are the colored people to be re- 
formed and enlightened except through the gospel ? 

Hitherto this church has paid its way ; contracting 
no debts, paying only a small salary to its pastor, 
who has labored all these years for the love of Christ 
and the love of souls. May God bless him and the 
church. 

During his pastorate of twenty years, Bro. Webb 
has baptized two hundred and fifty persons. Their 
present membership is two hundred and ten. Their 
Sabbath-school numbers seventy-five. Their Sabbath 



PL UM STREET MISSl ON. 275 

evening congregations are too large for the house. 
One evening a week a meeting of prayer is held for 
a better house of worship. Who will help to answer 
this prayer? Our city needs fifty more men like 
Pastor Webb — men not afraid of difficulties. 



CHAPTEE XIX. 

VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 



DYING OF CONSUMPTION. 

Mr. Morgan, a hard-working Welshman, living in 
a tenement-house with his family, fell a victim to 
this disease. On my first visit, March 16, 1864, I 
found a very happy man, though quite poor. Early 
in life he gave his heart to God, and, with his pious 
wife, had brought up their children in the way they 
should go. He had long been sick ; but not a mur- 
mur escaped his lips. He was waiting for his call to 
the better land. The oldest daughter, R., was wait- 
ing on her father. Her mother had gone to the Cot- 
ton factory to work, earning $4.50 a week. Poor, 
yet rich in faith, reluctantly he received the dollar I 
put into his hand. Many precious visits were made 
to this sick man until November 13, when his happy 
spirit was released from a body of pain and weak- 
ness. 

On one of these visits, made on Monday morning, 

I inquired: "What was the subject of your thoughts 

yesterday?" With a face beaming with the peace of 

God, he answered: "My mind was dwelling most of 

(276) 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 277 

the day on these words : 'Who of God is made unto 
us wisdom, and righteousness, sanctification and re- 
demption.' " "What did you make of that precious 
truth?" "Why, I feel all I need for time and eter- 
nity is found in Christ Jesus. He is all my trust, 
my hope, my joy and my everlasting portion. I 
often long to be with him." His joy that day was 
unspeakable, and full of glory. His funeral took 
place in the Welsh Methodist Church, of which body 
he had been an honored member and class-leader. 
By request of his wife and Pastor Powell, I spoke of 
his last months of suffering and the blessed hope 
which sustained him The house was packed with 
people, and there was much weeping among them. 
Services and singing were peculiarly solemn. At the 
close men said: "He was one of our best members. 
We all loved him." "Godliness with contentment 
is great gain." His faithful wife still survives, and 
some of her children. The usefulness and honor of 
a man's life do not consist in the abundance of 
things which he possesseth. 

On June 2 the superintendent of the Hospital sent 
an urgent request for me to visit three little girls, 
sisters, all suffering with measles — Frances, Lizzie 
and Isabella G. The latter, who was very sick, was 
eating ice. Their father was drowned seven years 
before. They and their mother were driven out of 
home by guerrillas. Three brothers were in the 
Union Army. Their mother died at Nashville. 
Officers in the army sent them to our city. A 
brother of these sufferers was working in a bakery. 
They were very well-behaved children. When near 



278 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

death, the mother charged all her children to meet 
her in heaven. They promised. I inquired what 
hymn their mother liked best. They replied : ' 'There 
is a fountain filled with blood." So we sang it, and 
gave some good words of Christ's, and commended 
these little ones to God in prayer. 

Next day Isabella was bright, and talked about 
her mother and heaven. She felt sure, if she died, 
Jesus would take her to heaven. This was my last 
visit. On the next day she died peacefully, calling 
on Jesus to take her, and she would then see her 
mother. After a few weeks the two other little girls 
recovered. Where they went I know not. May God's 
blessing attend them to the end of their lives. Many 
families in the South suffered far more than these for 
their devotion to the Union. 

HAPPY IN POVERTY. 

Widow W. lived in a small room in the third 
story of an old building, all alone, but very happy. 
She had been very sick and poor ; but was very glad 
of her trials. Whilst working in a tent factory, 
giddy girls sang — 

"There'll be no sorrow there, 
In heaven above, 
Where all is love, 
There'll be no sorrow there." 

She said: "How it bound up my bleeding heart; 
they little knew what they were doing." She spoke 
of having sweet communion with God daily. Verily, 
God hath chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith. 
"He hath done all things well." 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 279 

a daughter's death. 

Only those who have been called to lose an only 
daughter can sympathize really with those thus se- 
verely tried. The affliction is heavier when the 
widow has been leaning on her for support. Then 
it is the iron enters the soul, which sometimes cries 
out, "Show me why thou dost afflict me!" Such 
cases often occur, and sometimes the aged, afflicted 
mother is glad to go either to the Widows' Home or 
City Infirmary. 

Alice G. was drawing near to death. Conscious 
of her situation, and that there was no cure for the 
consumption, she said: "I want to fly to the arms 
of Jesus. He is so near to me, I think the time 
long before I get to him." Her joy seemed inex- 
pressible. She told how she had warned others, and 
entreated them to meet her in heaven. We sang, 
"On Jordan's stormy banks I stand." She requested 
me to read of the New Jerusalem. I did so. Her 
dear mother wept all the time. Five days after this 
she sweetly fell asleep in Jesus. 

a soldier's mother. 

Though advanced in years and sickly, and a widow, 
she gave up her son to the army. Her prayers from 
the first day of his enlistment were offered to God 
for his protection from all dangers, and that God 
would keep him from all sin, and that he might re- 
turn in peace. She had an abiding trust in God that 
her prayers would be heard. They were graciously 
answered. Her son Frederic came home unharmed, 
to the joy of his mother. She felt like good old 



280 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

Simeon, when he said: "Lord, now lettest thou thy 
servant depart in peace." Some few years after, this 
Christian mother ended her days peacefully. 

PUBLIC OFFICIALS. 

Some of those who have passed away, requested 
my ministrations in their last sickness. This has 
been always cheerfully rendered. Among these 
may be mentioned Mr. Stedman and wife, who had 
charge of the Woman's Prison on Front and Parson 
Streets. The office they faithfully filled. A few 
years after, both of them died in the faith of Christ. 
They were grateful for my visits and ministrations. 

Col. Abijah Watson, superintendent of the Com- 
mercial Hospital, and afterward of City Infirmary, 
and his wife, a thoroughly good matron, served the 
public many years in these institutions. After leav- 
ing the Infirmary both died, one very soon after 
the other. I was called to officiate at their funerals. 
Both had the testimony of a good conscience, and 
expressed a firm reliance on Him who is mighty to 
save. 

Our well-known citizen, Joseph Draper, after serv- 
ing in the City Infirmary Board some years, died 
after a protracted sickness, November 15, 1864. He 
loved the work of helping the poor; and they loved 
to hear his voice and look into his face. At my last 
interview, a few hours before he died, he expressed 
a good hope in Christ, and a desire to depart and 
be with him. His desire was soon realized. 

Another director of the Infirmary, Mr. Wyman, 
after passing his four-score years, died. He had 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 281 

been a zealous Methodist nearly all his life, and a 
warm, sympathizing friend of the poor and needy. 
He died peacefully in Christ. 

N. W. Thomas, formerly Mayor of Cincinnati, 
died of a very painful internal malady. He always 
received my visits gladly. He was often* reading the 
Book of Job. I inquired why he liked it. He said: 
"It suits my case better than any other part of the 
Bible." In his days, also in Mayor Bishop's, all 
theaters and drinking saloons were closed on the 
Sabbath. May God grant such times may again 
return. 

SINFUL WOMEN REPENTANT. 

"This man, if he were a prophet, would have 
known who and what manner of woman this is that 
toucheth him, for she is a sinner." This was said by 
Simon the Pharisee concerning Christ Jesus, whose 
feet were washed with tears by a sinful woman, and 
Jesus said unto her: ''Thy sins be forgiven thee; 
thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace." We have, 
alas! many sinful women in our city; and there are 
probably as many sinful men. Let those who feel 
disposed to cast stones at the sinful women, read 
carefully John viii. i-ii; also Luke vii. 36-50. 
They will then see how the Master treated such ; 
when they repented and believed, they were freely 
pardoned. 

In the course of these years I have been occasion- 
ally called to visit such in their last sickness, and 
dying moments. A reporter of a newspaper came 
one day in a great hurry, saying, ''I've been to see 
four ministers, to visit a dying woman, and they all 



282 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

refuse." I said, "Give the name and number, and 
I'll go to-day." I found the lady hopelessly sick, 
lying on a bed in a room gorgeously furnished, with 
several frail ones ministering to her, and colored 
women to do her bidding. No Bible being in the 
house, I repeated the above passages; also, "The 
Prodigal Son," during which she shed many tears, 
saying, ' ' Oh, that Jesus would forgive and save me !" 
I told of his willingness to save the worst of sinners. 
After prayer, I urged her to cry to him for mercy. 
She promised. A few more visits, and she died; 
I think, a weeping penitent, clinging to the cross of 
Christ. After my first visit, two other ministers 
called and prayed with her. To the credit of these 
lost women, let it be said, they always treat the mis- 
sionary with great respect and decorum. When 
they die they call on him to perform the last rites of 
burial. May God have mercy upon this large class 
of public offenders ! 

One very cold day in winter, when the earth was 
covered with snow, a lady requested me to visit Mrs. 
M., who was sick with consumption. She requested 
me not to tell who sent me; but to do her good, if 
possible. Reaching a fine residence, I was ushered 
in, and introduced myself. The first question was, 
"Who sent you "? "Never mind, I only called to 
cheer you and do you good." Frankly she told me 
her physicians had said she was consumptive. 
Quite unprepared to appear before God, there was 
evident emotion on hearing words of Scripture. I 
read the fifth chapter of Romans, and asked, " Have 
you peace with God, through our Lord Jesus 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 283 

Christ?" She answered, "No, indeed! if I had, it 
would be easy to die." I assured her of Christ's 
ability and willingness to save every repentant sin- 
ner. During prayer she was deeply affected and 
asked me to call again. Nearly every week I called. 
Her heart was opened to receive Christ, and she 
was saved. Her peace then flowed like a river, and 
her happiness was expressed to all who visited her. 
Many letters she wrote to relatives at a distance, 
urging them not to follow the world and its vanities; 
but to '-Seek the Lord while he may be found." 
Of her conversion there was no doubt. She was 
welcomed into a Presbyterian church, the pastor of 
which made frequent visits until her death. Like 
the preceding case, she had received religious in- 
struction in youth ; but like thousands more 

"She had chosen the world 
And its paltry crowd ; 
She had chosen the world 
And its misnamed treasures." 

But, blessed be God ! her eyes were opened to see 
her folly and sinfulness. All the glory of her salva- 
tion is His who came into the world to save sinners; 
who has declared, "Him that cometh unto me, I 
will in no wise cast out;" "The Son of Man is come 
to seek and to save that which was lost." 

Mrs. T. was another of this class, whose sufferings 
for a whole year, caused by a cancer, were very 
severe. During the last six months of her life she 
sought the consolations of pure religion. In early 
life she had enjoyed its blessings; but, led away by 
the ungodly, she drifted, until all her former friends 



284 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

shunned her. From the first visit made to her until 
the day of her death, her soul seemed hungering 
and thirsting for salvation. Sometimes whilst in 
prayer, she cried out, ''Lord, have mercy! Lord, 
Jesus, save me ! Wash me, and I shall be whiter than 
snow!" Deeply penitent over a misspent life, she 
would say, "Oh, if I had a few more years, they 
should be spent to serve God and do good." After 
much weeping and praying, she was enabled to trust 
in Christ. 

"Fools make a mock at sin," but nowise man 
will do this. Sin, in its consequences, is most terri- 
ble. Like the deadly upas-tree, it blights everything 
in its shadow. It brings the youth to an untimely 
end ; it blasts the brightest prospects in life ; whole 
families have been ruined by it; it follows a man 
like his shadow ; and it brings all who live in it and 
die in it to everlasting misery. It is written: "The 
wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal 
life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Thrice blessed 
are all they who prefer and choose the service of 
God as their portion. There' is truth as well as 
poetry in the words: — 

"'Twill save us from a thousand snares, 
To mind religion young ; 
Grace will preserve our following years, 
And make our virtues strong." 

Whilst holding gospel meetings in "Washington 
Park, in 1868, several Sabbath-school girls assisted 
in singing. Among them, Anna Dean, eleven years 
old, who was a constant attendant, and deeply inter- 
ested. She brought her father and mother to the 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 285 

meetings. In the spring she was brought nigh to 
death with typhoid fever. We made many visits 
and every time she desired us to sing her favorite 
hymns; such as "Waiting by the river," and "We're 
traveling home to heaven above." 

God was pleased to answer prayer, and she was 
raised up, and was able to spend some weeks in the 
country. Following is an extract of a letter, dated 
July 31, 1868: "I have enjoyed myself a great deal 
since I have been out in the country. I have not 
forgotten God, who has raised me up from my sick, 
bed, that I may be out here enjoying his blessings. 
He has raised me up a great many times from my 
sick-bed, for which I am thankful. If it is his will 
for me to lie in bed with sickness, and never get up 
again, I feel willing to do so; and feel ready any 
time when Christ calls me, to leave this world and 
dwell with him in heaven with the holy angels. I 
think we all ought to feel willing to suffer for Him, 
who suffered so much for us. We ought to feel 
ready to say: 'Not my will, but thine be done.'" 
Precious words ! 

A few months' respite was given, which was well 
improved ; and when scarcely able to walk, she went 
to her Sabbath-school, and to the outdoor meetings. 
The last sickness came, in which her happiness and 
peace were very marked. A number of scholars 
visited her and sang, while she spoke to them of 
Christ and heaven. Her conversation and knowl- 
edge of God were far beyond her years. Called 
early by the Divine Spirit, she went to that Jesus 
whom she loved. 



286 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

SOUTHERN PLANTERS. 

The war made much confusion, and led many to 
leave their homes in the South, both rich and poor. 
Among the former were Mr. S. , his brother, and 
their wives and children. They owned a large sugar 
plantation in Louisiana. The troubles of the war 
led them to locate in our city. Near neighbors, and 
being pious women, our visits were frequent. All 
their slaves were emancipated; and the plantation 
was worked by free labor. Sickness visited the 
family; one daughter died, then the mother, and, 
after some years, the other mother died. Both 
planters died on their plantations. All are swept 
away by death, except one son and a daughter. It 
was my sad lot to attend to some of their funerals. 
My visits, and those of my wife to these families, 
were always welcomed. No one appreciated the 
reading of the Scriptures and prayers more than 
they. The late Dr. N. Colver baptized into the 
First Baptist Church, the mothers and some of their 
children. The fathers continued in the Catholic 
Church to their death. 

a soldier's death. 
Early in the morning of July 7, Mr. O. called on 
me to visit a dear brother dying of smallpox in the 
Roh's Hill Hospital. Reaching the place, what a 
spectacle met our eyes! He was a most dreadful 
object from head to foot, and was unable to converse. 
He knew Mr. O., and consented for me to speak of 
Jesus and to pray. The physicians pronounced his 
case hopeless. He had been in the army three 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 287 

years, and had suffered many hardships; and had 
come home to die. We left soon after the religious 
services were over, and next day he died. He es- 
caped from battle-fields unhurt; had endured cold 
and heat, the gnawings of hunger, and the pangs of 
thirst; had gone long and wearisome marches; was 
overtaken with sickness, and came home to die, I 
fear, without God, and without hope. A sad death 
indeed. 

TWO EXCELLENT WOMEN. 

Mrs. E., the wife of one of our prominent and useful 
public men, was ever ready to respond to the cry of 
distress among the poor. Her husband was also 
liberal. At the time of the coal famine, this be- 
nevolent lady told the poor women to bring their 
baskets and fill them from her cellar. It seems one 
poor woman told another, and there was a run on the 
cellar, much like the run on a bank when it is about 
to collapse. Very soon the cellar was empty, and 
the good wife said: "Husband, we must have more 
coal." "What, gone already?" '*Yes, there's been 
such a number of poor people, and they were shiv- 
ering with cold. I could not refuse them, and told 
them to fill their baskets." "Yes, they filled their 
baskets, and emptied our cellar. But it's all right ; 
somebody's house has been made warm." He never 
reproved his wife for helping the poor. 

Sickness overtook this excellent lady some few 
years later. Our visits continued once a week until 
her death. The last visit is thus recorded : Found 
Mrs. E. nearing the valley of the shadow of death. 
She desired us to sing — 



288 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

"Jesus, lover of my soul, 
Let me to thy bosom fly." 

She much enjoyed the singing, and waved her hand 
in response. Then her husband requested us to sing 
"Rock of Ages." We did so, and all kneeled in 
prayer around her bed. How she responded to every 
petition for herself, her husband and children, and 
the church. We felt sure her end was near. She 
bade us all good-by, expressing the hope that she 
would meet us in heaven. My wife staid all night. 
The suffering one fell asleep at half-past one next 
morning. Her last words were: "Jesus, come 
quickly ! Yes, Jesus, take a poor, guilty sinner ! 
Jesus, take me!" Thus she fell asleep. 

The funeral services were largely attended, and 
conducted by Dr. Lynd, Dr. Elder (now of New 
York) and myself. 

An excellent English widow was Mrs. T., who found 
a pleasant home with her married daughter. Her re- 
ligion was not one of sentiment, but deeply lodged 
in the heart. It was her joy and delight to instill the 
same principles into the hearts of her children and 
children's children. Her death was a severe loss to 
this family; yet she lived long enough to impress, by 
her godly life, their hearts with God's truth. Sickness 
of a painful nature overtook her, which she bore with 
great resignation. The last visit is thus recorded : 

September 6. — Our dear sister T. suffers excru- 
ciating pain, yet bears it with wonderful resignation. 
Often she desires to depart and be with Christ. Her 
hope in Christ is steadfast. Her daughters and an- 
other lady sang with me — 



VI SIT ATI OSS TO FAMILIES. 289 

"Awake, my soul, in joyful lays, 
And sing the great Redeemer's praise," 

which greatly cheered the sufferer. She loved the 
songs of the sanctuary. Five days afterward her 
spirit took its flight to the realms of peace. On the 
day before, her doctor said : ' 'You can not live more 
than twenty-four hours." She instantly joyfully ex- 
claimed: "Thank God! then I shall soon be with 
Jesus." For her death had no terrors. Like thou- 
sands of God's dear people who have died, she 
could exclaim: "O death, where is thy sting? O 
grave, where is thy victory?" 

Mrs. J., the daughter, and the rest of the family 
requested me to preach the funeral sermon of this 
dear Christian mother. The words chosen were, 
"They who sleep in Jesus will God bring with him." 
Quite a full house and a solemn time. Such lives are 
a blessing to this sin-cursed earth. They live on in 
future years in the lives of their children and others. 
Some one has aptly said, "She who rocks the cradle, 
rules the world." God give us thousands more of 
such pious women. 

RESPITE. 

June 25, 1866. — From some cause, not known to 

us mortals, I was afflicted with rheumatism for ten 

days ; quite laid up with the pain, which only they 

know who have endured it. During these days I 

read "Livingston's Travels in Africa," "Spurgeon's 

Sermons," and other books; but the most precious 

of all was the Bible. Many dear friends called — Dr. 

Aydelott, Holden, Crawford, Scott, and dear Father 

Powell, and others. By the kind attentions of Dr. 
19 



290 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

Potter and Dr. Lynd, I was restored, and, thanks be 
to the God of all our mercies, there has never been 
a return of the disease since. I magnify the grace 
of God, who has given me good health and strength 
these many years. 

A SAD DEATH. 

Miss L. had long been sick of that fatal disease, 
consumption, and, like many- young people, refused 
to believe it would end her life, yet it certainly did. 
Owing to the distance from my house (five miles), 
only a few visits were made, and each visit seemed 
more distressing than the last. Her soul refused to be 
comforted. Her life had been exemplary; loved by a 
large circle of friends. Perhaps this melancholy 
arose from the body more than the mind. The last 
visit is thus recorded: Went over and visited poor 
Miss L., who was evidently nearing the valley of 
death. Past speaking, she was mourning fearfully— 
so reluctant to die. Poor girl ! We sang the hymn, 
"Guide me, O thou great Jehovah " After speak- 
ing of Christ's willingness to receive and save all who 
come to him, we commended her to God in prayer. 
She uttered not a word, but seemed to be dying in 
great distress. Soon after I left the house she died. 
One of the most gloomy deaths of consumption I 
have ever found. 

One other similar case, not quite so sad, occurred 
on Mt. Adams. Miss F. while young in years be- 
came an earnest Christian. During her last illness, 
at times she expressed hope in Jesus ; but then she 
mourned over her sinfulness. Physical causes prob- 
ably led to this despondency of mind. 



CHAPTER XX. 

EXECUTION OF THREE MURDERERS. 



For the murder of Mr. Hughes, a highly-respected 
business man of the city, three men were executed 
April 30, 1867. This unprovoked crime was com- 
mitted some months before, on this wise: After 
business hours Mr. Hughes was returning to his 
home, in the suburbs, up the Lick Run road. At 
that time there were not many houses on the route. 
As he passed a lonesome spot, three men dashed 
out from their hiding-place. One seized the lines, 
holding the horse. He resisted. The other two 
shot him dead in the buggy. They did not secure 
much money by this foul murder. They fled to the 
hills, and crossed the river to Kentucky. For sev- 
eral days they eluded the police, when one of them 
was discovered, and he and his accomplices were 
soon in jail. After a tedious trial, all three were 
found guilty, and sentenced to be hanged by the 
neck until dead. 

During their incarceration, I paid regular visits to 

these and others in the prison. Their names were 

Olgus, Gcetz and Samuel Case, the latter a good- 

(291) 



292 EXECUTION OF THREE MURDERERS. 

looking, sweet-faced American youth of eighteen 
years of age. The others were Germans, and much 
older. They received my visits respectfully; but I 
fear not one of them repented of their sins, or of the 
fearful crime for which they were to die. The Ger- 
mans were attended by a Catholic priest. A few 
notes, written at the time, concerning these con- 
demned men, may interest the reader: 

April 13, 1867.— Mr. Baldwin and H. T. Miller 
went with me to visit the three men. Case seemed 
more broken down than when I last saw him. Gave 
him the Testament and Psalms, and marked several 
for him to read. He promised to read them, and to 
pray for mercy. We sang — 

"Depth of mercy ! can there be 
Mercy still reserved for me ? 
Can my God his wrath forbear ? 
Me, the chief of sinners, spare ?" 

After singing, we all three prayed God to have 
mercy upon these wretched men. These were sol- 
emn moments to us all. Gcetz realized his condition, 
and said he was not afraid to die ; said he prayed for 
mercy daily, and believed in Jesus. We then sang — 

"Just as I am, without one plea, 
But that thy blood was shed for me." 

He joined us in singing. Bro. M. and I prayed. 
Olgus seemed much broken down ; spends much of 
his time in reading, meditation and prayer. Poor 
fellow ! Bro. Miller prayed with him. He has no 
relations. 

On Sabbath, April 14, the two Ball brothers went 
with me to the jail. Held a half-hour's service in 



EXECUTION OF THREE MURDERERS. 293 

each of the three departments. The condemned 
men said but little. Most of the prisoners paid 
excellent attention to the services. 

On April 17 held a brief interview with Olgus, 
Gcetz and Case at the jail. All seemed to realize their 
condition ; but I failed to see in any one of them 
true penitence. Case is hoping for a new trial, or 
mitigation of sentence. Gcetz and Olgus have both 
determined to die Catholics. 

On April 20, Messrs. Parker and Williams went 
with me to the jail. We visited the three prisoners 
under condemnation, and sang "Depth of mercy," 
"Rock of Ages," and "Show pity, Lord; O Lord, 
forgive." They listened attentively, and we then 
prayed for them. 

On April 27, Bro. Miller went with me again. 
We sang and prayed with each of the condemned. 
We thought Case the hardest. What a sorrowful 
sight, to see three young men whose hands have 
shed innocent blood, and they about to expiate their 
crime on the gallows ! We could not refrain from 
exclaiming, "Lord, have mercy on their guilty 
souls!" 

On April 28, their last Sabbath, Bro. Payne met 
me at the jail, and assisted in the religious services. 
Preached in two of the departments to attentive lis- 
teners. Conversed with Case, and prayed. He 
appears about the same — can not discern in him any 
godly sorrow, or faith in Christ. 

On April 29, at the request of young Case, I went 
over to Ludlow, Ky. , to visit and comfort his dis- 
tressed mother. She was overwhelmed with sorrow 



294 EXECUTION OF THREE MURDERERS. 

at the impending doom of her son Samuel. She 
entreated me to do all I could to lead him to Christ 
and to repentance. She sent this message by me: 
"Tell him to repent of his sins and trust in Christ. 
Tell him I hope he will meet me in heaven." 
This was spoken with tears, from a breaking heart. 
She was prostrated with sickness from the sad 
calamity. Her daughter seemed to be greatly dis- 
tressed; had been to Columbus to see the Governor 
on his behalf; but her journey was fruitless. 

Two sisters were with Olgus when I reached the 
jail, so I could 'not say much ; and Father Driscoll 
was with Gcetz. With Case I conversed and prayed. 
He wept as I delivered his mother's last messages. 
He seemed affected, and while I prayed he kneeled 
down. May God pity and save him. 

THE LAST INTERVIEW. 

On April 30, Rev. J. F. Reinmund, of Lancaster, 
Ohio, called, and went with me to visit the con- 
demned. He was permitted to stay about one 
hour. Father Driscoll was with Gcetz ; so I spent 
the morning with Case. His sisters were deeply 
affected, and wept bitterly. The fifty-first Psalm was 
read ; also the fourth chapter of Second Timothy. 
Bro. L. and I prayed. While I was out the cell, Bro. 
L. administered the sacrament to him, which, to my 
mind, was shocking, as he manifested neither peni- 
tence nor faith. The parting with his sisters and 
brother was very painful. They wept, and he wept, 
too — we all wept together. After they were gone, 
he prepared for the execution. He was surprisingly 



EXECUTION OF THREE MURDERERS. 295 

light and trifling, and laughed frequently. He stepped 
up the gallows very lightly — almost danced ; threw 
a kiss to a man among the spectators, and said: 
"Hurry up, I want to make the express train!" 
This shocked every one who witnessed the execu- 
tion. 

Gcetz spoke aloud, and named some man who 
hired him and the others to commit the murder. He 
asked forgiveness of Mrs. Hughes and the children. 
Felt ready to die. 

Olgus spoke not a word. 

THE EXECUTION. 

All the city bells were slowly tolling during the 
execution. Here stood three men on the gallows, 
guilty of the most dreadful crime known to mortals, 
about to be ushered into eternity. Rev. L. and I 
offered prayer. The two priests also prayed. The 
bolt was drawn at 1:20 p. m., and soon their souls 
were in eternity. It was a fearful sight. May we 
not say of this, and similar executions, what Oliver 
Cromwell said, when viewing the headless body of 
Charles I.: " Cruel necessity! Cruel necessity!"? 

The laws of God require that, "Whoso sheddeth 
man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed. Thou 
shalt take no satisfaction for the life of a murderer. 
He shalt surely be put to death." Read the ninth 
chapter of Genesis and the thirty-fifth chapter of 
Numbers. 

And the law of man, in most countries, is based 
on the law of God. There is not a verse in the 
Bible to authorize the imprisonment of a murderer 



296 EXECUTION OF THREE MURDERERS. 

for life ; such a law is made by those who ignore the 
Scriptures. And men ask, "Why this sympathy 
for murderers? Why should industrious people be 
taxed to support those who have suddenly, and 
without cause, taken away the lives of innocent peo- 
ple?" It is contrary alike to reason and revelation. 

Other executions have followed. This was the 
last at which I ministered, and the last I wish to 
witness. This part of mission work is now carried 
on by others. The two colored men, Johnson and 
Ingalls, who murdered the Taylor family in 1884, 
are both gone into eternity. One hung himself in 
prison, and the other was executed. I made but 
one visit. They were so hardened I could do them 
no good. 

Every observant man who has lived thirty years 
in our city, will admit that crime has fearfully in- 
creased, much more than the population. So far as 
I can estimate, the population has increased fivefold, 
and crime sevenfold, in thirty-five years. This is an 
awful state of affairs, brought about mainly by 
drunkenness, and the non-enforcement of our laws. 
Let the laws be faithfully enforced, and abolish the 
saloon business, if possible, for it is the fosterer of 
all crimes. 

This subject ought to enlist the attention of all. 
Christian and philanthropic people; and it should be 
seriously considered by all our judges, governors, 
members of council, and all well-wishers of the 
commonwealth. It has been said over and over 
again, and indisputable facts have confirmed the as- 
sertion, that "Nine-tenths of the crime committed 



EXECUTION OF THREE MURDERERS. 297 

is the result of strong drink." Men perform dread- 
ful acts of cruelty, and perpetrate all forms of mur- 
der, when under its influence. Were it entirely 
banished from our State, and none used except for 
mechanical or medicinal purposes, our jails would 
be nearly empty; our infirmaries decimated; our 
lunatic asylums and penitentiary would not then be 
overcrowded. The Dow Law is the best enactment 
we have had within thirty-five years. Let it be fully 
tried and faithfully enforced, and be made stronger 
than it now is. 

Many years ago, George Cruikshank offered five 
hundred dollars to any one who would prove that a 
total abstainer from all intoxicants was guilty of 
crime. That money has never been claimed. Read 
the records of crime in our daily papers ; and of sui- 
cides, of cruelty to wives and children ; and you will 
find in nearly every case it is connected with the use 
of strong drink. Men work better, enjoy more of 
life, can do more good, have more money to help 
the needy, who never buy, sell, or use intoxicating 
liquor of any kind. Their motto is: " Touch not! 
taste not! handle not!" 

In one city of ten thousand people on this conti- 
nent, where not a single saloon is allowed, people 
are happy and prosperous. There is no jail or 
policeman. Their poor-rate one year was only 
$7. 50. Such facts speak volumes. Ponder them ! 

Contrast this with a beautiful suburb of our city, 
within twenty miles of us. When drinking-saloons 
were allowed, then robbery and murder began. A 
jail had to be built, and murders most foul have 



298 EXECUTION OF THREE MURDERERS. 

been committed. One young man, returning home 
late at night, was brutally murdered and robbed; 
and the criminals have never been discovered. 

The heart grows sick pondering over the dreadful 
crimes committed among us daily, as the result of 
liquor-drinking. Let parents be watchful over their 
children; and by example and precept, instill into 
their hearts the principles of total abstinence from 
all intoxicating liquors The writer has faithfully 
kept this pledge by the help of God for nearly fifty 
years; and can testify to its benefits, both for soul 
and body, and for all seasons of the year. 

The blessed Bible gives us many solemn warnings, 
such as, " Look not upon the wine when it is red, 
when it moveth itself in the cup; it biteth like a ser- 
pent and stingeth like an adder. "Wine is a mocker, 
strong drink is raging: whoso is deceived thereby 
is not wise. " " Cursed be he that putteth the bottle 
to his neighbor's mouth and maketh him drunk." 
4 'No drunkard shall inherit the kingdom of God." 
"Woe unto the drunkards of Ephraim!" 



CHAPTER XXI. 

A NEEDED VACATION. 



Quite unexpectedly and unsolicited on my part, 
through the kindness of the late Dr. Mendenhall, I 
was permitted to share the hospitality of Jay Cooke, 
of Philadelphia, at his pleasant and beautiful man- 
sion at 

GIBRALTAR, 

Built on an island of six acres not far from Sandusky, 
washed by the waters of Lake Erie. Here I spent 
eight days on a lovely island. It is a beautiful home 
with all modern improvements, a fine library, fish- 
ing-tackle and boats, with first-class fare, all free of 
expense. The house and guests were looked after 
by an excellent lady, Mrs. M., a relative of the 
generous banker, who visits the island twice a year, 
and is quite a successful angler. This home is de- 
signed to invigorate and recruit the health of such 
ministers who seldom take vacations, and whose 
limited incomes would forbid, if they were so 
disposed. 

I received a written invitation from Jay Cooke to 
spend eight days from July 6, 1870. Not only was 

the entertainment without money and without price, 

(299) 



300 A NEEDED VACATION. 

but the traveling expenses to and from Gibraltar 
were paid. Oar guests were very agreeable gentle- 
men : Rev. E. Lounsberry, of Davenport, Iowa, 
an Episcopalian; Dr. L. D. McCabe, of Delaware, 
Ohio, Methodist; Rev. N. W. Brennan, of Lincoln, 
Delaware; Rev. B. T. Noakes, Elyria, Ohio; Rev. 
H. S. Snodgrass, Delaware. Though of different 
denominations, we were all one in Christ, and each 
took turn in morning and evening devotions. 

Like the disciples of old, some went fishing, and 
like them, on one occasion, they toiled whole hours 
and caught nothing; others were more successful, 
and brought of their fish for a pleasant supper ; others 
went boating; and when tired of these occupations, 
the library was ransacked, and some favorite book 
was selected; and beneath the lovely shade-trees, 
the hours flew quickly. One special series attracted 
my attention, "The Life of Napoleon Bonaparte." 
It was too voluminous to be read in six days ; so I 
was content with reading his birth and early training, 
his disastrous campaign in Russia, harrowing in the 
extreme; his defeat and overthrow at Waterloo ; his 
narrow escape in disguise ; his capture and banish- 
ment to St. Helena ; his death and burial on that 
rocky island. The book is written in a popular, 
readable style. 

On Saturday, July 9, the war steamer Michigan 
arrived, and anchored just off the island. We 
boarded her and had a pleasant interview with the 
captain and officers, and arranged for two preaching 
services on the Sabbath, in which we all took part. 
Dr. McCabe preached in the morning, Mr. Louns- 



A NEEDED VACATION. 301 

berry in the evening. Among the villagers on the 
mainland, Putin-Bay, are a church and Sabbath- 
school. 

July 12. — The Michigan weighed anchor and de- 
parted, and a revenue cutter arrived next day. 
Captain Knapp invited us all on board. We ac- 
cepted, and were well pleased with the neatness, 
cleanliness, and good order of everything. Soon 
after, she weighed anchor and left. Six of us took a 
sailboat and visited Rattlesnake Island. After bath- 
ing, on our return we were becalmed, and did not 
reach home till 8:30 -o'clock in the evening. All 
well, thank God ! 

Two days more and our time expired. We had a 
very delightful season of prayer and singing. On 
parting, that ever precious hymn, "Blessed be the 
tie that binds," never sounded sweeter. We were 
soon on board the steamer Jay Cooke, and in two 
hours were at Sandusky, the birthplace of our be- 
nevolent friend. 

About forty weary and jaded ministers were thus 
entertained in princely style by this excellent man 
every season. Many were the prayers offered for 
him, that God would bless him spiritually, temporally 
and eternally. When financial disaster overtook 
him, in common with all good men we felt interested 
in his recovering from these crushing trials. We 
rejoice to know this excellent retreat is still owned 
by its founder May it long be an asylum for mis- 
sionaries and ministers ; and may the richest bless- 
ings descend on him and his family, who conceived 
of and carried out such a praiseworthy object. 



302 A NEEDED VACATION. 

Whilst enjoying our island home we felt like the 
disciples on the Mount, "Master, it is good for us to 
be here;" but, like them, we had to come down and 
see sin and sorrow, poverty and distress, in all their 
varied forms. Never mind, so as the Master is with 
us, if we obey him and do, to some extent, what he 
did, we shall have his approval at the last day. 
This brief visit to Gibraltar was one of the pleasant 
resting-places in the missionary's life. I bless God, 
who put it into the hearts of these friends to show 
this kindness. - 



CHAPTER XXII. 

VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 



A faithful servant-girl, from the Widows' Home, 
was overtaken by that widespread disease, consump- 
tion. Her savings were soon exhausted, trying various 
physicians. She took refuge in the Elm Street Hos- 
pital. Everything was done for her recovery ; but 
it was in vain. Perfectly calm in view of closing her 
earthly career, she died in peace. 

A poor, afflicted mother, Mrs. C, died of the 
same disease, leaving four small children to mourn 
her death. In former years she had been a mem- 
ber of a Methodist church ; she died in the faith 
of Christ. By my suggestion the children were 
taken to the Children's Home, from whence they 
have'been placed in good families. 

Father Carroll, one of the early settlers of our city, 

was paralyzed for many years. During the last seven 

years he gladly received an occasional visit. His 

daughter was true to her father, and worked hard for 

his support. His hope was bright for heaven. Often 

he expressed a desire to depart and be with Christ. 

His death was a joyful entrance into glory, at the 

advanced age of eighty -four years. 

(303) 



304 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

It was my sad privilege to visit a dear friend of 
the mission, in his dying hours — Mr. B., whose heart 
ever sympathized with poverty and suffering, and 
whose hand was ever ready to help every good 
cause. It was painful to see such a one cut off in 
the midst of his usefulness, leaving behind a stricken 
wife and children. 

Another old friend, Rev. George Cole, formerly 
editor of the Journal and Messenger, died this same 
year. He was afflicted for two years with paralysis ; 
but kept on his work as long as possible. His prayer 
was that "he might not lie long on his sick-bed and 
become a burden to his family." In this it was an- 
swered. He was only a short time confined to his 
bed. My good brother Crawford went with me the 
last time. His end was peace. 

A WHOLE FAMILY CUT OFF. 

Harriet C. was the last of nine children, every one 
of whom died of consumption. She had lived in the 
capacity of domestic in a family. On taking a severe 
cold, it settled on her lungs, and for over six months 
she was confined at home in a single room, watched 
over by a loving mother. Can the reader imagine 
the anxiety of this mother? Can he imagine the 
suffering, pain and privations of this dying girl ? Oh, 
how much of sorrow there is in this world unknown 
and unsympathized with by the thousands enjoying 
health and prosperity. While it is true that ''every 
heart knoweth its own bitterness, and a stranger in 
termeddleth not therewith," it is equally true that 
these solitary sufferers appreciate human sympathy, 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 305 

and bless the feet of those who bring good tidings of 
peace. This last child of her mother enjoyed a 
blessed hope in Christ — her skies were bright. It 
was a real pleasure to visit her, and repeat the pre- 
cious words of Holy Writ, and minister to her neces- 
sities. For her, death had no terror ; to die was gain. 
Her end was peace. 

DEATH FROM AN ACCIDENT. 

An aged widow, Mrs. K., when coming down- 
stairs, made a misstep, and fell to the bottom, break- 
ing both arms, twisting her spine, and suffering 
internal injuries. On her sick-bed she lingered ten 
long, weary months. By this sad fall her mind and 
memory were affected, and never recovered their 
tone. But there was one name written on her heart, 
which could not be effaced. On hearing the name of 
Jesus, she would burst into tears, saying: "I do love 
Jesus ; I know I do ; I want to love him more. Pray 
for me that I may be patient until he. calls me home. " 
Every attention was shown by her loving daughter 
and grandchildren, and the end came very quietly. 
Seldom has death seemed more desirable than in the 
case of this afflicted woman. 

A TRIUMPHANT DEATH. 

One of the most happy deaths my eyes ever be- 
held, was that of Mrs. D. S , who had suffered much 
bodily anguish for more than a year. All her pains 
she bore with great patience and resignation. God 
had taken to himself her babe, only a few weeks be- 
fore she died. The consolations of Christ she found 

sufficient to bear her up under many trials. That 
20 



306 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

precious hope in Christ, which she had enjoyed for 
some years, was the anchor of her soul, sure and 
steadfast, and entered within the vail. One hot day 
in August, as I entered the sick-room, it was evi- 
dent she was passing- through the valley of the 
shadow of death ; but she feared no evil, for her 
Lord and Redeemer was with her. Her eyes were 
half-closed, hands were cold, her breathing short. I 
repeated the words — 

"Jesus can make a dying bed 

Feel soft as downy pillows are ; 
While on his breast I lean my head, 
And breathe my life out sweetly there." 

Opening her eyes, she said: "I can sing that 
verse." "You are too weak; I will sing it." As I 
sang, she joined me in the last line, "And breathe 
my life out sweetly there." The last prayer was 
offered, and, as I bade her farewell, she said: "We 
shall meet on the other side." A few hours later 
she breathed out her soul into the hands of her dear 
Redeemer. It may be truly said of such a one: 
"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." 

Scores of other cases might be cited ; some pain- 
ful, others pleasant, and some, like the above, tri- 
umphant. These are written that all men may know- 
that there is a preciousness in the religion of Christ 
which nothing else can supply. Thrice blessed are 
they who seek him early in life, and give their best 
years to his service. They find how true are the 
words: "No good thing will he withhold from them 
that walk uprightly. The joy of the Lord is their 
strength." 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

SWEARERS REPROVED. 



"By reason of swearing the land mourneth." 
The great mass of men forget, if they ever heard, 
the Third Commandment of the Decalogue: "Thou 
shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain: 
for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who taketh his 
name in vain. " The ears of all good men and women 
are shocked at the awful profanity of the people 
among whom we dwell. "Gentlemen never swear," 
is a maxim almost forgotten by a large class of men; 
and the vice is fearfully practiced by boys in their 
teens; and few, indeed, are the men who reprove 
swearers, of whom it has been truly said: "The 
swearer bites the naked hook." Certainly, every 
guilty one proclaims to others who hear, that he is 
destitute of the fear of God ; that he tramples upon 
and defies his law. 

The substance of the following incident has been 
written out in the form of a tract, and published by 
the New York Tract Society. It occurred when the 
writer was journeying across the State of Michigan, 
on a visit to his brother James, at Spring Lake, in 
March, 1871. 

Weary with much traveling, about 9 P. m. two 
(307) 



308 s WEARERS REPR VED. 

men entered the car — probably lumbermen. No 
sooner were they seated than their loud talking and 
awful profanity awakened every one in the car. They 
were in the next seat to me. They were not quarrel- 
ing, and did not seem drunk; but every sentence was 
coupled with some fearful oath. A gentle voice 
said: "Reprove these men." After the next volley 
of oaths, I looked at them, and said in a loud 
voice: "Why don't you pray?" They stopped 
swearing, and, on repeating the request, one of 
them laughingly said: "Stranger, that wouldn't 
suit." "Yes, it would ; everybody in this car would 
rather hear you pray than swear." At this conver- 
sation, most of the passengers — some ladies among 
them — drew nigh to listen. 

Looking into the face of one of these hard men, 
I asked: "Did your mother teach you to swear?" 
The idea was abhorrent to him, as he said: "No, 
indeed! my mother was a good Methodist, and 
if any one's gone to heaven, she has." "Do 
you expect to meet her there?" "I can't tell; I'm 
afeared not." "I know you will not, if you keep 
on swearing." Both men listened, and their eyes 
were moistened at the mention of their mothers. 
"Did you ever read what William Cowper said 
about swearing?" "No, stranger, I never did. 
What did he say?" "He wrote this: 

" 'It chills my blood, to hear the blest Supreme - 

Rudely appealed to on each trifling theme. 

Maintain your rank ! Vulgarity despise ; 

To swear is neither brave, pol'te, nor wise. 

You would not swear upon the bed of death 

Reflect ! thy Maker now may stop thy breath.' " 



S WEARERS REPR VED. 309 

A deep sigh was heaved by these men as they list- 
ened to Cowper's words. The passengers, especially 
the ladies, were delighted at this turn of affairs. Our 
conversation continued for several miles, when they 
said they must get off at the next station. Both 
thanked me, and I urged them so to live in the ser- 
vice of God, and they would be greatly blessed, and 
by and by, through Christ, would meet their loved 
ones in heaven. We shook hands heartily. Their 
grip was wonderful, as they sprang from their seats, 
saying: "God bless you, we're* thankful." Both 
promised they would quit this dreadful habit. May 
God help them to do it. Several passengers came 
up and shook hands, among them a Cincinnati lady, 
and our journey to the end of the road was pleasant. 
These men said what others have said — they did not 
know they were swearing. That seems unaccount- 
able ; but there is One above who knows and keeps a 
faithful record. What an account that will be in the 
Judgment Day! 

This widespread vice seems to be on the increase, 
though we have penal enactments against it, and now 
and then a man is fined for his profanity and blas- 
phemy. Yet the evil continues. Two English gen- 
tlemen, traveling through the country, staid three 
days in our city. Wishing to see the suburbs, they 
invited me to a seat in the carriage. Spring Grove 
Cemetery was much admired, and the beautiful res- 
idences of Clifton, and especially G. K. Shoen- 
berger's palatial home, who received the strangers 
cordially, and led them into his picture gallery. 
After riding through Clifton and Mt. Auburn, we 



310 SWEARERS REPRO VED. 

returned to the city. They did not utter a word of 
slang, much less an oath. I asked what struck them 
most in their social intercourse with men. Both in- 
stantly answered, i( The profane swearing." Reluc- 
tantly, I said: ''That is a grievous and widespread 
evil, and a deep disgrace to our boasted civilization." 
They were astonished to hear well dressed men at 
the hotels using profane language in common con- 
versation. They admired the energy of the Amer- 
ican people. 

A devoted Christian lady, recently gone to her 
heavenly home, remarked on her death-bed: "I 
have always felt it a duty I owe to God to reprove 
men for profanity and blasphemy. Occasionally 
they abused me; more often they apologized; some- 
times begged my pardon ; but, in all cases, they quit 
swearing for the time being." While spending a few 
days in Philadelphia at the Centennial, I was struck 
with the absence of profane swearing, both on the 
streets, in the hotels and in the cars. The latter 
were always crowded, going to and coming from the 
Exposition, yet I did not hear a single oath from 
drivers or passengers. Whilst here, on the streets 
you may hear both men and boys cursing God and 
one another. Ought not this subject to claim the 
attention of Christian men and all lovers of good 
morals in society ? Shall nothing be done to lessen 
this great evil ? 

A Christian gentleman, walking along one of our 
thoroughfares, was overtaken by two nicely-dressed 
young men. They were talking calmly, and not 
quarreling. Reaching the street corner, one said to 



SWEARERS REPROVED. 311 

the other, as they parted: "You go to hell!" The 
gentleman turned instantly on the swearer and said- 
' 'That is a dreadful place. How can you wish your 
friend to go there?" He took the reproof quietly, 
and walked away as fast as possible. Were all 
Christian men and women to reprove and rebuke 
men for this sin, shame, if not the fear of God, would 
lead them to abandon the practice. 

Merchants and manufacturers might do much in 
this matter if they were fully determined, and these 
reproofs are more telling and effective than sermons. 
Let the following be remembered and adopted. A 
business man, who employs many men, asks before 
employing a man : "Do you drink liquor during the 
hours of work ? Do you use profane language?" 
If the man answers "Yes" to either or both ques- 
tions, he says: 'T don't want to employ you." 
Many times have I gone through this work-shop, but 
never heard a man swear And this is in Cincinnati 
among thousands of swearers. 

"All unrighteousness is sin;" and surely, drunken- 
ness and swearing are terrible evils. All right- 
minded men, whether religious or not, should set 
their faces like a flint against these evils. Is it not 
true that when men curse each other, they often 
shed blood and commit murders most foul? Do 
they not provoke to anger by their oaths and curses? 
And, "God is angry with the wicked every day." 
The Son of God has declared: "Swear not at all; 
neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; nor by 
the earth, for it is his footstool For every idle 
word that men speak, they shall give account in the 
day of judgment." 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

ACROSS THE ATLANTIC— 1871. 



By the kindness of a dear cousin, who now sleeps 
beside his parents in Spring Grove Cemetery, I was 
enabled to visit the land of my birth, in the summer 
of 1 87 1 ; a kindness which I shall never forget. The 
sea voyages, change of climate, and rest from the 
continual labors in Cincinnati, proved to be of great 
physical advantage ; and my spiritual nature was 
also greatly quickened. On leaving home, May 24, 
as I bade good-by to my wife, she asked, "When 
may I expect you home again?" "In three months, 
if the Lord wills." It was just three months and 
three days. A merciful Providence watched over 
our home and loved ones, and over me all the way; 
and on my arrival home we could each one say with 
David, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is 
within me, bless his holy name." 

The good steamship, Australia of the Anchor 
Line, under Captain Hederwick, left her dock in 
New York at noon, May 27, 1871. After leaving 
the Bay, many of the passengers became seasick, 
from which unpleasantness I was entirely exempt, 
both going and returning, thanks to our kind 

(312) 



ACBOSS THE ATLANTIC. 313 

Heavenly Father. There were a goodly number of 
cabin passengers, agreeable people ; and about thirty 
or more in the steerage, most of them old people, 
who were going home to England, Scotland, or Ire- 
land, to spend their last days. With these, I held 
a religious service on deck at 4 p. m. each day. We 
generally surrounded the huge smoke-stack to keep 
warm. Our fellow-travelers appreciated these ser- 
vices. Another service was held at 8 P. m. among 
the cabin passengers, a few of whom preferred wine, 
cards and cigars to hearing the gospel; but most of 
them, including the captain and officers, attended 
the meetings. Two other ministers on board as- 
sisted in these services. 

BURIAL AT SEA. 

This very sad and impressive service was per- 
formed on our voyage out. Two men, both invalids 
when they went on board, who were going home to 
their friends in Ireland, died the same night, June 4. 
Abraham Nevin, a young man too feeble to walk 
without crutches, hardly left his room until he died. 
With him I often sang and prayed. He expressed 
hope in Christ Jesus. Mr. Barney, a middle-aged 
man, very quiet, was present when we held the 
afternoon meetings on deck. He died of heart- 
disease that same night. Both were buried at sea 
on Monday, June 5, when we were seven hundred 
and thirty miles from Ireland. Both bodies were 
sewed up in sail-cloth and laid on a board in a small 
room, with port-hole to the ocean. Only about 
twenty persons could get inside. The great engines 



314 ACR OSS THE A TL ANTIC. 

of the steamer were stopped just at noon. A brief 
prayer was offered by a minister, then the captain 
gave the signal, and both bodies were launched into 
the great deep ; and the huge vessel was sent on her 
way. The effect of these deaths, and of this burial, 
produced a marked impression on the passengers. 
Our evening prayer-meeting was overcrowded. It 
is hoped good was done. 

Several of us were much interested in young 
Nevin. He gave me the address of his relatives 
near Londonderry, and I wrote a letter and sent it 
by a passenger, describing his last hours, his trust 
in Christ, and his burial at sea. A very kind letter 
from them found me in London, in which many 
thanks were conveyed for what I had done for the 
sufferer on the voyage. 

On June 7, we saw the gray rocks of the Irish 
Coast. The broad waves of the Atlantic were dash- 
ing on them with relentless fury, reminding us of 
the angry billows ever dashing against the Church 
of God. Like these grand old rocks, she withstands 
their fury because she is founded on the "Rock of 
Ages!" 

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND. 

Many of* our passengers landed at Moville, then 
our steamer pursued her way up the Frith of Clyde. 
The beautiful mountains of Scotland were very re- 
freshing to our eyes. Reached Glasgow at 8:30 
p. M., and the twilight lasted until 1 1 p. M. It was 
something new and beautiful to be able to read by 
twilight. After a good night's rest at the Claren- 
don, we strolled over this great and enterprising 



ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. . 315 

city. What I saw and heard will be best told in a 
letter sent to the Times and Chronicle, which pub- 
lished several letters. 

Glasgow, June 9, 1871. 

The Frith of Clyde. — A great resort during the summer months, 
is this beautiful watering-place. Hundreds of families have left 
the city to pass the hot weather in the various towns and villages 
upon its banks. Coming up the Frith from the ocean, the moun- 
tains are seen in all sorts of forms. Sometimes the base is washed 
by the waves; then there is in others a margin of a mile, more or 
less, affording good building sites. All the houses are built of 
stone, more substantial than showy. The light-houses are really 
cosy, solid buildings; generally a garden is attached, with its 
green ivy clinging to the walls. 

Greenock is twenty-two miles below Glasgow, on the south side 
of the Frith, and has a number of ship-yards, every one of which 
seemed busy. All are made of iron. A few miles below Green- 
ock, on the opposite side, is a large and beautiful house, erected 
by Denny the ship-builder, for Isabella, Queen of Spain, some 
four years ago. At that time she had a notion of making Scotland 
her home, but things changed with her, so the owner occupies it 
himself. 

The Sailors' Home, on the Clyde, is built a little above the 
water, on an elevation. Its surroundings are delightful. 

Dumbarton Rock, of historic memory, stands quite in the Frith, 
and looks like an impregnable fortress. William Wallace was 
confined here. Its sides are huge walls of solid rock, nearly per- 
pendicular, four hundred feet high. On this rock are built four 
houses, inhabited by soldiers. On its top we saw a solitary soldier 
promenading. Attached to the side, about half way up, is a gar- 
den, with rows of potatoes and vegetables. A wall of solid 
masonry is built to keep in the soil. Near the water's edge this 
grand old rock is covered with ivy and wild flowers. 

Long before reaching Glasgow are seen the numerous and ex- 
tensive ship-yards, on both sides of the Clyde. The canal-boats 
are made of iron. All sorts and sizes of vessels, from the little 
tug-boat to the man-of-war, and ocean steamers for other lands 
besides Britain, are here constructed. Many are built for Ameri- 
cans. This branch of business stretches for miles along the river. 



316 ACBOSS THE A TLANT1C. 

As you near Glasgow the splendid Frith becomes a narrow stream, 
not wider than the Licking River. Its waters are muddy, or rather 
like water mixed with rusty iron. No one can drink it; the fish 
can not live in it. It is the regular sewer of th s great city. 
Walled in on both sides, the stream lias been narrowed to suit 
navigation, and the reclaimed lands afford line pasturage for cat- 
tle. It is astonishing to see such a vast amount of shipping on so 
small a river. What the Thames is to London, so the Clyde is to 
Glasgow. 

The city of Glasgow is one of the cleanest in the world. All 
the busiest streets are swept in the night, and the sweepings are 
sold to gardeners and farmers. The pavements are all of smooth 
stone, and the streets are remarkably even and solid, the blocks 
fitting each other so that they must stay ; and they wear for years. 

Talks with the People. — To the porter, a sharp Scotchman, 
"How large is Glasgow?" "Next to London," was the quick 
reply. We yielded the point, and afterward learned it contains 
560,000 people. It may be Liverpool, or Manchester, may claim 
to be next to London. A man with a very small donkey and cart, 
selling his wares, was asked, "What church is this?" "I dinna 
ken." Pointing to one opposite, "What is that?" "I dinna ken 
what that is, neither." "Don't you go to church!" "Very sel- 
dom." "Why not?" "Weel, my clothes is not good enough." 
" Go as you are." " That would na do - a body likes to be nice." 
" Don't you know what Christ says, 'What shall it profit a man if 
he gain the whole world — '" "'And,'" said he, "'lose his own 
soul ?' "—adding, in an earnest voice: "I go to prayer-meeting 
sometimes, and always say my prayers." 

Quite a number of barefooted women are seen on the streets, 
and children without number, barefooted and bareheaded, as 
lively and frisky and full of sport as any children on the earth. 
A barefooted woman, leading a fine cow by the horns to the cattle 
market, was asked, " How much for the cow ?" "Fifteen pounds" 
($75), was her quick reply, and onward she trudged. 

The sheep are fine and large. They have all kinds. Some had 
been shorn, others had immense fleeces. The prices asked by the 
sheep-master were fourteen, sixteen and eighteen shillings apiece. 

They say that the cost of living here is less than in any other 
city. Certainly the bread, meat and butter are of superior quality. 
The Australia brought from New York seven thousand barrels of 



ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. * 317 

flour, and these Scotch bakers turn out bread and biscuits of the 
finest quality. A good solid dinner can be had at the " Great 
Western Cooking Houses" for fifteen cents, consisting of beef, 
bread, butter and tea. These houses are largely patronized. 
Everything is scrupulously clean, and well cooked. A good house 
with twelve rooms, in a genteel neighborhood, rents for one hun- 
dred dollars a year. There are few beggars. A blind man is 
occasionly seen on the street corner, reading aloud his New Testa- 
ment with his fingers. Many a penny is dropped into his hand. 
There is a home provided for the blind. Another large establish- 
ment is called the Glasgow Night Asylum for the Houseless. This 
is sustained by voluntary contributions, and costs about £2,700 a 
year, or $13,500. Men, women and children are here lodged 
and fed. About twenty women I found here, and the matron re- 
quested me to speak to them, introducing me as ' 'a gentleman from 
America." We sang "Rock of Ages," and they joined; read the fifty- 
third chapter of Isaiah and prayed. A kind invitation was given 
by the officials to call again. Last year thirty-one thousand seven 
hundred and eighty persons found food and shelter within these 
walls, averaging nightly eighty-seven inmates, exclusive of the 
women who go there for a temporary home. Everything is fault- 
lessly clean. There is a Magdalen House a little way from the 
city. 

The City Poorhouse and Lunatic Asylum. — This is an immense 
building; occupies perhaps twelve acres of ground, within five 
minutes' walk of St. George's Square, where are the post-office 
and a dozen of the best hotels. Through the courtesy of its chap- 
lain, Rev. Mr. Proudfoot, I was shown over the buildings, and 
conducted the chapel service at 6 P. m. About six hundred 
inmates are here. In the winter there are twice the number. 
Over one hundred and twenty children here receive shelter and 
instruction. Like most other Scottish services, they sing nothing 
but the Psalms, forgetting the text, " Singing with psalms, hymns 
and spiritual songs." The Scotch are wonderfully conservative in 
this matter of psalm singing. 

The Young Men's Christian Association of Glasgow has a good 
reading-room, with library, magazines and papers. The rooms 
are on St. George's Square — a central location. Mr. Scott, one of 
its members, conducted me to several places, and introduced me 
to Rev. Mr. Proudfoot, who humorously replied to me, "The 



318 ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. 

pride is only in the foot." There is a weekly prayer-meeting held 
at the rooms in the winter months, and also lectures are given for 
the Association in winter. Most of the city mission work is done 
by the individual churches, of which there are some three hun- 
dred, and as many ordained ministers. Each church sustains its 
own missionary. Their pay ranges from £75 to £100 a year ($375 
to $500). Expressing my surprise at the small amount paid, my 
friend Scott remarked, they can live genteelly on £60 a year; 
their house rent is but nominal. 

Low Pay and Small Expenses. — Just think of paying forty, fifty, 
or sixty dollars a year rent. Fine white sugar is sold for seven 
cents a pound ; bread and meat are equally cheap ; but fruits of all 
kinds are dearer than with us in Cincinnati, and so are vegetables. 
Labor is cheap, also. The common wages of a laborer are three 
shillings, or seventy-five cents a day. A strong, hearty woman 
will work all day at washing or ironing for thirty-seven cents. 
Letter-carriers get twenty shillings a week; mechanics get twice 
and thrice as much as a laborer, according to their skill and the 
work done. 

A good school system exists in Scotland, but none has yet been 
adopted in England. Placards were on the walls of Glasgow 
headed "The Bible in Public Schools." On inquiry what it 
meant, my friend Scott informed me that a bill was before Parlia- 
ment to establish public schools in England, and the infidel and 
Catholic members, as with us in Ohio, opposed the establishment 
of schools for this reason: "That the blessed Book of God should 
be read in them daily." Enemies of God are the same all the world 
over. "The carnal mind is enemity against God," and they hate 
his word, yet they will not admit it. 

Pulpit of John Knox. — In the poorhouse they have the veritable 
pulpit formerly used in the Cathedral, where John Knox poured 
forth his vehement discourses; whose watchword of prayer is 
world-wide: "Give me Scotland or I die!" The desk is rather 
antique in form, but is in a very good state of preservation. The 
chaplain told me of this fact at the close of the services. What is 
it makes Scotland great, good and prosperous? Her free Bible; 
her free schools ; her love for the Sabbath ; her love for the gos- 
pel. These give life and energy to her sons and daughters. God 
will bless such a people. 

From Glasgow to London. — The distance, by Edinburgh, is four 



A CB OSS THE A TL ANTIC. 319 

hundred miles — fare, second-class (good enough, too,) is $12.50 in 
gold. No paper money is used in Britain, except Bank of 
England notes — the smallest is $25. It is gold, silver and 
copper. We started at 9 A. m., and reached the station, King's 
Cross, London, at 9:20 P. M., the same day. They did not run a 
minute from their time-table. Forty miles an hour is the usual 
rate expected of express trains — some go much faster. I had a 
compartment to myself nearly all the way ; room enough in it for 
two men to lie down at full length, or for eight men to sit comfort- 
ably. It was difficult to get a drink of water on the way, none 
being offered to passengers. Beer, ale and wine are sold at every 
station. These your correspondent never uses. 

Edinburgh is a fine city. Its mighty castle looks down disdain- 
fully on the city at its feet. We staid here two minutes. 

Dunbar is a fine, busy town, beautifully situated. 

Berwick, on the line, is a busy, prosperous, clean place. New- 
castle is more like Pittsburg than any place I have yet seen. The 
tall chimneys and immense columns of smoke are seen all over the 
city. It is a great place for shipping coal. The railroad is far 
above the houses, and in crossing the river it looks almost fright- 
ful. York is a fine city. It has one of the finest cathedrals in the 
country. The stone wall is a favorite place for pedestrians ; it 
encircles the oldest part of the city. Lancaster, famous for its 
races, is a great railroad center. Here is a church built for the 
railroad men, and public schools for their children. Peterboro 
was the last stopping-place, seventy miles from London. Passed 
near St. Neots, within two miles of my birthplace. The same old 
four-spired churches stand as they did forty years ago. We 
reached the metropolis in due time, rather hungry, not very tired. 
Beached my brother's home in Brompton at 10 p. m. This after- 
noon he goes with me to Westminster Abbey. 

For the present, adieu. J. Emery. 

LETTER FROM LONDON. 

Westminster Abbey, June 13, 1871. 
This ancient pile of buildings, of most elaborate workmanship, 
impresses every beholder with awe and admiration. For twelve hun- 
dred years this has been the burial-place of kings, queens, princes 
and nobles of the land. The work of ages, the skill of thousands 



320 ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. 

and millions of gold have been spent on this venerable place. Enter- 
ing the door, a chilliness and sombre gloom come over one which 
impress the thought that you are in the presence of the mighty 
dead; among the tombs of men, some of whom ruled with a rod of 
iron, or who swayed the world with their mighty words — of heroes 
who won in famous battles — of statesmen, poets, philosophers, men 
of genius, who have blessed mankind with their inventions, r.nd 
of others, alas ! who have cursed men by their wicked lives. To 
set down a few things which struck the eye and impressed the 
mind of your correspondent in such a place is ail that can be 
attempted. 

Sebert, King of East Saxony, founded this Abbey in 616. His 
tomb bears this date. The great Queen Elizabeth lies here in 
common dust. The marble figure above her remains is beautifully 
executed, and the laces around her neck and sleeves are perfectly 
carved. That famous frill she always wore has been speaking 
mutely to the beholder these three hundred years. 

The Chapel of Henry VII. is perhaps the most beautiful part of 
the Abbey, at the east end. Here is the dust of one who died in 
1537 — Mary Queen of Scots— and of Lady Walpole, 1737, and 
General Monk, Duke of Albemarle. In front of these is the 
royal vault, containing the remains of Charles II., William III., 
George of Denmark and Queen Anne (the warrior queen). The 
most beautiful object, perhaps, is the tomb of Henry VII. and 
Elizabeth, his queen. Every lover of the Bible looks with pecul- 
iar interest on the tomb of one of the best of England's kings — 
Edward VI. Here sleeps the youthful king of sixteen among 
these ancient and aged monarchs. Sweet memories will ever 
cluster around this youthful prince, whose piety and virtues might 
well be imitated in these latter days. 

Joseph Addison sleeps not far from Queens Elizabeth and 
Mary. A white slab of marble inlaid with solid brass covers his 
remains. 

The Chapel of St. Paul contains the remains of Colonel Mac- 
leod, Lord Chancellor Bromley, and many other notables, not the 
least of whom is James Watt, inventor of the steam-engine. On 
a high pedestal of marble he stands, in life-like form, with compaso 
in hand. His useful life has been a blessing to the whole world. 
Born in Greenock, Scotland, in 1736, he died at Heathfield, Eng- 
land, in 1810. In a single hour's visit, it is impossible to take 



ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. 321 

into the mind a twentieth part of the various tombs of the de- 
parted ones. The two princes who were murdered in the Tower, 
and their horrid assassins, lie here. A figure of Death, issuing 
from the tomb with deadly sword, about to strike a lovely female, 
whose husband stretched forth his arm to protect her, impresses 
the mind with awe. "Strike, King of Terrors! we fear not thy 
blow." 

Iconoclasts have been busy here. Their ruthless hands have 
marred many of the tombs; knocked off the heads of many 
'of the children; taken away the entire head of one of the kings 
(in silver) ; peeled the gold from many places where it was inlaid 
with precious stones of curious workmanship. Here is the famous 
oak chair which has been used at the coronation of all England's 
monarchs, from the time of Edward I. It is a large, clumsy- 
looking affair, and has been hacked with knives, and has many 
initials cut on its back. Under it is fixed the famous Scotch stone, 
supposed by some to possess a certain charm. When used, this 
chair is covered with velvet and cushions. The dust of ages set- 
tles on all these beautifully-carved monuments. It is never re- 
moved. The doors and windows are all closed, except the entrance 
door, to admit visitors. 

The Chanting and Choral Service. — Exactly at 3 P. M. the officia- 
ting ministers and choristers all marched into the nave of the 
Abbey. Visitors took their seats — about four hundred at first ; 
but the number reached one thousand before the exercises closed. 
The prayers and reading of the Scriptures were uttered in a 
clear, distinct voice. The singing of the forty choristers was most 
melodious. In chanting that beautiful Psalm (the forty-second), 
"As the hart panteth," etc., the voice of a youth who rendered 
the solos was something sweeter and more beautiful than mortals 
often hear. Twice every day are these services held, free to all. 
They last about an hour. 

Westminster Hall. — This large and spacious hall, paved with 
stone, has been used for ages to try criminals of note. Here 
Charles I. was tried and sentenced, and not far from the spot he 
was beheaded. It is a plain, oblong building, with two raised 
platforms, one above the other, with stone steps their entire 
breadth. Within this hall might stand fifteen hundred people. 
There are no seats of any kind within its walls. 

"The Pilgrim Fathers Embarking for America" is the picture, 
21 



322 ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. 

above all others, on which American eyes love to rest. These 
worthy men are kneeling by the seashore, lifting up their eyes to 
Him who rules the storms, who ' 'holds the winds in His fist and 
the waters in the hollow of His hand." Strong men, young men 
and women, and mothers, who clasp their babes fondly to their 
breasts, are here. Many passers-by stop to admire this beautiful 
relic of history, so interwoven with American history. Would 
that all who come to the United States had such piety and love of 
God in their hearts as had these Pilgrim Fathers. Precious germs 
of truth and righteous principles were implanted by these noble 
sires. Can we not all say with a joyful heart — 

"Long may our land be bright 
With Freedom's holy light ; 
Protect us by Thy might, 
God, our King!"? 

The weather has been miserably cold for the past week. The 
sun has looked on us only three times ; then he was buried in dark 
clouds again. Londoners say this is unusually cold for the time 
of year. 

LONDON. 

A world in itself; objects of interest all around. 
Every day was fully occupied, and nearly every day 
it rained. Only a few things can here be briefly 
noticed. The chanting in Westminster Abbey was 
sublime, and impresses one with thoughts of heav- 
enly music. But the music in 

spurgeon's tabernacle, 

Entirely congregational, without instrumental music, 
was the grandest and most impressive I ever heard. 
Just think of six thousand voices all blended in 
sacred song! I was favored to hear this wonderful 
man (Spurgeon) July 2. He had just come out of 
the furnace of affliction, of some eight weeks' dura- 
tion, and he came out refined and purified. During 



ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. 323 

the first prayer the vast audience was melted to 
tears. He seemed like a loving father pleading with 
God for his sinful and ungrateful children. That 
precious hymn of Addison's — 

"When all thy mercies, my God, 
My rising soul surveys, 
Transported with the view I'm lost, 
In wonder, love and praise," 

was sung with great power. There were nine verses. 
About one hundred boys, from the Orphans' Home, 
sat on a platform under the pulpit. They, with 
every one else, joined in the singing. Every one 
stands to sing. The text of this greatest of preachers 
was, 'Twill yet praise thee more and more." Every 
seat was occupied, and hundreds stood during the 
entire service ; yet no one seemed weary. All were 
interested. 

handel's "Messiah." 

Through the kindness of my brother Thomas, 1 
was permitted to enjoy this wonderful concert, given 
in the Crystal Palace, with choir and orchestra of 
three thousand, and an audience of twenty thou- 
sand persons. Sims Reeves sang several solos. This 
rendering of the "Messiah" is the most wonderful 
known among men. The original music, as written 
by Handel, the property of Victoria, is placed 
under glass cases for inspection by the people. 
The concert is held at 10 a. m., and never lacks an 
immense audience. My cousin, Miss J. J. Emery, 
went with me to Mildmay Hall and several reforma- 
tories. 



324 ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. 

Ragged Schools have existed some forty years, 
and owe their origin to that remarkable man, John 
Pounds, a cripple, and a shoemaker, who took 
these street Arabs into his shop, taught them read- 
ing and the gospel, and gave them cakes for coming. 
Large institutions, well managed, are in operation, 
especially in East London, where multitudes of poor 
people eke out an existence. The teachers asked 
me to address the boys and girls, and all relished 
anything from America. Much is being done to 
educate and Christianize these lost and neglected 
children. At one of these institutions I stepped in 
at 6 p. m. The boys were at supper. Each had a large 
slice of bread buttered, a large raw onion and a 
cup of weak tea. They ate with wonderful appe- 
tites. After the meal was finished, we held a blessed 
meeting in the school- room. Before I was through 
nearly every one raised his hand, saying: 'T'd like 
to go to America."- 

Magdalenes. — Here fallen women are confined for 
their good. They do splendid washing and ironing 
and sewing. No one is permitted to go in without 
a permit. Furnished with this, the matron re- 
quested me to speak to them. The occasion was 
one of deep interest. The word of truth reached 
many hearts. When reformed, they are sent to 
homes, generally in the country. 

Midnight Mission. — The late Dr. Brock, a Baptist 
minister, if not the founder, took a deep interest in 
this work till he was removed to his heavenly home. 
Men of undoubted piety — ministers chiefly— are 
employed to seek the lost. After an hour of prayer, 



ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. 325 

at 10 P. M., and a generous supper, furnished by the 
Society, they go forth like their Master. My district 
was in Hyde Park, where are always found a num- 
ber of night wanderers — women who are lost ; and 
yet hundreds of such have been reclaimed. Those 
willing to leave a life of shame and sin, are furnished 
with a card to the place of meeting. Some twenty- 
two women were brought in. Christian ladies fur- 
nished them with tea, biscuits and cakes. Religious 
exercises followed till about I A. m. Some are sent 
home ; others to reformatories ; some go back to sin. 

The Alms-houses are quite a feature of London. 
There are hundreds of them in various parts of the 
metropolis. Whittington's forms a great square 
near High Gate. Every occupant lives rent free, 
and has so much money furnished every week by 
the corporation. The Goldsmiths' Company has a 
great many houses on the south side of the Thames; 
all neat and cosy. Flowers, trees and shrubs of 
various kinds adorn these pleasant homes, occupied 
for the most part by aged people. All must prove 
a good character. These alms-houses are an un- 
speakable blessing to the aged poor. 

Bunhill Fields, only a few minutes' walk from the 
Bank of England, in the very heart of London, con- 
tains probably ten thousand dead. They don't sell 
their graveyards there as we do— they are kept 
sacred. Is not this right? Why should mammon 
disturb our dead fathers and mothers ? The practice 
is revolting to our nature. Dr. Watts sings "The 
graves of all his saints he blessed," and yet the 
bones of the dead are dug up to make room for 



326 ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. 

streets and buildings. This practice ought to be 
abolished. None are buried here now, but asphalt 
walks run all through the cemetery. Flowers of all 
kinds adorn the graves. It was on July 4 I visited 
this burial-place of Nonconformists, near the center 
of which rests the immortal dreamer, John Bunyan. 
An iron fence keeps off relic-hunters. Near the 
entrance lie John Wesley, Charles Wesley, and that 
remarkable woman, their mother. Isaac Watts, the 
great hymn-writer, and hosts of other great men and 
distinguished women, all sleep in common dust. 
Every visitor to London should take an hour and 
stroll through Bunhill Fields. An American poet 
has well said : 

"The paths of glory lead but to the grave — 

Lo ! from the grave fresh paths of glory rise ; 
Reviving thence, the "flower" shall breathe and wave, 
With purer sweetness and with lovelier dyes; 
Adorn, with sun-like ray, its kindred skies." 

BRISTOL. 

The chief attraction of this city, next to a visit to 
my only sister, was the world-wide and famous 
Orphan Houses of George Muller. There are five, 
built on high ground, at Clifton. Each house is 
separate, and contains over two hundred children. 
More than one thousand children are fed, clothed 
and educated at a great expense, and yet neither 
the distinguished founder nor any of his assistants 
make any appeal for money, food or clothing, ex- 
cept to the God of heaven. He who fed Elijah the 
prophet during a sore famine, has fed these orphan 
children for over forty years. This immense work 



ACEQSS THE ATLANTIC. 327 

is a standing proof that God hears and answers 
prayer. A religious, cheerful and industrious spirit 
pervades the entire establishment. 

The great philanthropist is just as thankful for a 
single shilling as for five hundred pounds, and gives 
a receipt for such. My nephew handed him a check 
for a large amount, and every mail brings letters 
containing checks, drafts and money. It is a mar- 
velous work of faith, and labor of love. All through 
the buildings there were order and cleanliness; but 
everything was plain — not made for show. Every 
child has three suits of clothing. All are polite, 
cheerful and respectful. 

The city of Bristol reminds us of Cincinnati more 
than any other place. The river Severn runs in the 
midst, the lofty hills looking down on the city and 
the crowded, narrow streets, not so dirty as those of 
our Queen City. 

G. L. Mason, of this city, accompanied me on 
this visit, and our interview with George Miiller was 
very pleasant. On asking him to pray for us, that 
we might have a safe and prosperous journey home, 
he did so. His prayers gave us wonderful strength, 
and they were answered. My nephew took us a 
delightful ride to the mouth of the Severn, where we 
were refreshed with dinner at a country inn. It was 
a delightful day. 

Made a brief visit to an aged aunt at Stroud, 
Gloucestershire. 

HULL, YORKSHIRE. 

Yielding to a pressing invitation from my old 



328 ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. 

friend, Bevan Harris, formerly a dry goods merchant 
of Cincinnati, I spent a few days under his hospita- 
ble roof. We had known each other from boyhood. 
He was carrying on a large dry goods business in 
this busy city. One of his sons rode daily to a 
neighboring town, seven miles, on his bicycle, over 
a smooth road. Mr. H. took me around the sub- 
urbs; visited his summer residence and the ceme- 
tery. Made a brief visit to my brother John, at 
Watford. 

EATON, BEDFORDSHIRE, 

Where I first saw the light of day, is tne same old 
village it was sixty years ago, when, with other 
boys, I played on the village green. The same 
venerable, old church still stands, and is likely to 
stand hundreds of years to come. Near the church 
is the old school-house. The schoolmaster, Elliott, 
had long since gone to the better land. A long, 
stout cane he freely used on refractory boys, some- 
times on the back, but more frequently on the palm 
of the hand. Mrs. Elliott was still living, healthy 
and active, at fourscore. I introduced myself. She 
was very affable, and asked me to take a glass of 
wine. This I politely declined, as I had done on 
other occasions. By her permission, I visited the 
school-room, which was the same as sixty years be- 
fore. Other rooms were added. Where were the 
boys with whom I studied? Many of them are in 
the eternal world; only a few in the vicinity; others 
scattered over "the wide, wide world." Such is 
life. 



ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. 329 

ST. ALBANS 

Derives its name from Alban, the first British 
martyr, who was beheaded for Christ's sake, June 22, 
287. A church was built on the spot, which was 
afterward destroyed. A venerable abbey has been 
standing there for over one thousand years, built of 
stone, its rafters oak, its roof covered with sheet 
lead. Men of note are buried within its walls and 
under its shadow. The gospel is preached there 
every Sabbath, and a choral service is held daily. 
Hundreds of children are there instructed in the 
Scriptures. 

The Baptist Church with which I united in 1835 
still exists. The building has been enlarged twice, 
and two years ago a handsome, larger house of 
worship was erected, and occupies the site of the old 
chapel. Rev. Wm. Upton was its pastor forty-four 
years. It was his first and last pastorate. He was 
beloved by a large circle of friends, and was a lover 
of children and young people. The aged loved to 
hear him declare the gospel. I was called to speak 
twice during a brief visit. This historic city was 
the place of my spiritual birth, and of my first ex- 
perience in Sabbath-school work. Looking over the 
audience, my heart inquired: ''The fathers, where 
are they? And the prophets, do they live forever?" 
The sad answer comes: "Your life is but a vapor 
which vanisheth away." The faithful pastor who 
baptized both myself and wife, and, six years after, 
united us in marriage, had gone to his rest over 
twenty years ago. Yet I found here many true and 



330 ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. 

kind hearts. I bade them all farewell, never expecting 
to meet them again on earth, and returned to London, 
my headquarters, to take leave of my dear brother 
Thomas, whose health indicated he was not long for 
this world. He died the following December. Often 
he inquired why I looked so well, and was so hearty, 
never using wine, ale or porter. Total abstinence 
from all these, to me had been a great blessing, and 
I blessed God for good health amid all labors, and 
regretted his failing health. A brief stay of two 
days at Sawston, near Cambridge, at my brother 
Charles', was all too short, yet very pleasant, and the 
last on earth. A run back to London, and then fare- 
well to brother Thomas. We parted with tears, ex- 
pressing the hope that we should meet in the better 
land. Took the rail for Glasgow, and left Scotland 
August 13, on an Anchor Line vessel, for New York. 
No storms either going or returning 

RETURN VOYAGE. 

The vessel was much crowded ; a full comple- 
ment of cabin passengers, and hundreds of emigrants 
of various nationalities. Among these we held re- 
ligious meetings; but Captain Campbell positively 
refused the use of the cabin for such purposes. 
There was noise, drinking, card-playing, and other 
foolish things ; but no singing or prayer. We found 
him just the opposite kind of a man from Captain 
Hederwick. We were all thankful to reach New 
York Harbor, and landed at noon on Saturday. I 
spent a 



ACROSS THE ATLANTIC. 331 

The noise of men, drinking and swearing all night 
close to the hotel, drove sleep from my eyes. Vis- 
ited Van Meter's Five Points Mission, where a great 
reformation had taken place among these ungodly 
children. Visiting one of the large churches in the 
evening, where Dr. Cone preached, I listened to a 
very dull sermon by Dr. Hodge. There was no 
choir and no deacons, and only thirty five people 
scattered over a room capable of holding fifteen 
hundred. Perhaps that made the preacher dull 
and the sermon lifeless. Whilst sitting there, I 
fancied if the preacher had rung a bell on the front 
steps, and had sung a few lively songs, he could have 
secured an audience of two hundred people, and they 
would have been cooler than in a stifled-up church- 
building, very poorly ventilated, with sixty gas-jets 
burning. Do we not need common sense in religion 
as much as in politics? Are not the children of this 
world wiser in their generation than the children of 
light? Is it always to be so? 

Starting from the metropolis by the Erie Road, I 
reached home safely on Tuesday evening. Whilst 
eating dinner at Binghamton, N. Y., I sat beside 
Dr. Jeffrey, pastor of the Ninth Street Church. Had 
no time for talking until our hunger v/as appeased. 
I found him an excellent traveling companion. Wife 
and family gave me a hearty welcome home. We 
blessed God for all his loving-kindness and tender 
care since we were separated. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 



The people at the City Infirmary and Widows' 
Home had continued their prayers for my return; and 
a large number of poor people, sick and aged, besides 
many Christian friends whose hearts sympathized 
with city mission work. With renewed strength 
and a thankful heart to God for all his mercies, I 
went the usual rounds among the people. 

DEATH FROM SUNSTROKE. 

My good friend, Mr. Synder, died of sunstroke 
September 7. Smitten down by the sun's rays in 
July, he lingered under great suffering until he died 
in the faith of Christ. His wife died some months 
later. She might well be called a ''mother in 
Israel." In her home we held prayer-meetings for 
a few years; always good and attended with good 
results. When the Bible was threatened to be ex- 
pelled from the public schools, earnest and fervent 
were her prayers and those of others that God 
would prevent it. For years she had been active in 
Sabbath-school work and in helping the outdoor 

meetings. One of her sons was burned to death at 

(332) 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 333 

the Chicago fire in 1871, trying to save his horses. 
A son and daughter still survive these excellent 
people. 

drunkards' deaths. 

R. had been a drunken man for thirty-three years. 
It is a marvel that God permits such men to stay so 
long on earth to curse others, and spread desolation 
and death around them. Think of a wife and chil- 
dren suffering through all these years! Is it won- 
derful they long for death? Let no one say of a 
drunkard, "He is no one's enemy but his own." 
He is the enemy of all .decent people, and the 
scourge of his family; and is doomed to endless 
punishment. 

R. was an excellent mechanic earning sixteen and 
twenty dollars a week, when sober, lost his position 
through drinking. Leaving an excellent Christian 
wife to support herself, and four children, his last 
drunken spree ended his life. After being missed 
some days he was found dead in a cellar, where he 
had crawled when drunk. Strong drink killed him. 
Many visits were made to this family. Neither the 
mother nor one of the children will taste strong 
drink. All are doing well. Some people imagine 
drinking is hereditary. My experience proves the 
contrary. In many cases it may be so; but in 
others there is a deep and determined abhorrence 
against strong drink. 

A GRAVE-ROBBER. 

Old Mr. C. had followed this wretched occupation 
for many years; a profane, wicked man. He had 



334 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

been shot at and been imprisoned, yet he kept up 
the horrid traffic. Sickness came ; he took refuge in 
the City Hospital, where he died, November 2, 1871. 
He had sold his body to the medical college before 
his death. A few times I prayed, but he swore on 
the bed of death. An awful end of a wicked life ! 

AN INFIDEL'S DEATH. 

Only two visits were made to G. W., who boasted 
of his infidelity. Looking on his wife, he said, 
"She's the same as I am." Neither would bow 
even their heads in prayer. He departed without 
being desired. 

Mr. Cox, dying of smallpox. On reaching the 
house his wife refused to let me see him, lest, said 
she, "it would frighten him to death," so we prayed 
downstairs. A second visit he was past speaking; 
soon after he died. Prayed with a little boy in the 
same house, afflicted with this dreadful disease. 

THREE CHILDREN KILLED. 

It was on March 18, 1872, an explosion took place 
in a factory on Central Avenue. The boiler flew 
high in the air some six squares distant, and fell in 
Baymiller Street, among a group of small children 
who were playing. Three of them were killed. 
The result of the sad accident is thus recorded: 

March 19. — Visited the three mothers whose chil 
dren were crushed by the boiler explosion yesterday. 
Two of them were dead, one was dying. Mr. 
Thornton's little girl was crushed beyond recogni- 
tion. Both parents are Christians, and are sustained 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 335 

by the grace of God. I read the twelfth chapter of 
Hebrews and prayed. Mrs. Kohl's daughter was 
killed on the spot. Her husband was traveling on 
business in Iowa. The mother sat in silence, weep- 
ing over her sorrow. I urged her to look to Jesus. 
Mrs. Forbes was weeping and greatly excited over 
a dying child. Prayed and commended her to 
Jesus. There was great excitement in the vicinity 
at this strange and unaccountable calamity. 

BURNED TO DEATH. 

By the explosion of a kerosene lamp Mrs. B. was 
fearfully burned. She was groaning and trying to 
pray. As I repeated verses of Scripture she said, 
"Let me get out of bed! Let me pray just now, just 
as I am!" She was too weak and too far gone. 
Death came to her relief an hour after I left. She 
had neglected religion. 

a teacher's death. 

Miss Carrie Breux had been a faithful Sabbath- 
school teacher in our school more than twenty-one 
years. She sought to bring every scholar to the 
knowledge of Christ. In her sickness she was 
always cheered by the hymn, "Nearer, my God, to 
thee! nearer to thee!" On one of these visits she 
said, "Everyone of the ten girls in my class has 
given her heart to Christ. " Expressed her unwor- 
thiness, yet was thankful she had been useful in 
teaching the young the way of everlasting life. She 
fell asleep in Jesus, April 3, 1872. Such lives are 
truly a blessing to the church and to the world. 



336 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

DEATH OF A YOUNG MOTHER. 

Mrs. G. was tenderly brought up by loving .par- 
ents. Early in life she gave her heart to God, and 
delighted in his service. Married happily to a busi- 
ness man. Her home was neat and cozy. A few 
years passed, and God had blessed them with three 
sweet children. Sickness came to this mother; it 
was soon pronounced by physicians, consumption. 
The disease was slow in its work; but gradually 
strength failed, and the invalid mother was glad to 
remain on her couch. Just at this time a Christian 
lady urged me to visit her, and these visits continued 
about once a week, until God called her home. 
Her devoted husband furnished everything money 
could buy or kindness suggest. 

Quite happy in the blessed hope, she was always 
calm when speaking of her departure, rather en- 
joyed the thought of soon being with Christ, which 
is far better. Whilst speaking of these things one 
day, her dear little girl of three years pattered into 
the room and placed her hands on the bed, claiming 
a sweet kiss from her dying mother, all unconscious 
that soon that mother would be in the grave. 
When the child left the room, I asked, "Don't you 
feel it very deeply to leave these dear children?" 
With a look of indescribable resignation, she said: 
"All that is past. When but a child I committed 
my soul to Christ. He has been with me ever since; 
and when the physicians gave me no hope of recov- 
ing, I was enabled to say, 'The cup which my 
Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?' 'Not 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 337 

as I will, but as thou wilt.'" These words, and 
others which followed, were spoken with great 
calmness. It is needless to say her end was peace- 
ful — just a letting down of the tabernacle, a breath- 
ing out of the life into the hands of our blessed 
Redeemer. " Blessed are the dead who die in the 
Lord from henceforth." 

Some thirty years ago, a mother, Mrs. P., and 
four daughters emigrated from Georgia to this city. 
They spoke French as fluently as English, and were 
excellent, industrious and pious people. The mother 
was remarkable for her strong common sense. 
Sickness invaded this family, and on these occasions 
they invariably called me to visit them. Seldom 
have I found people more grateful for such visits. 
Each of the daughters worked faithfully and sup- 
ported their mother comfortably. Once during the 
war, I said to the mother, " Don't you feel afraid of 
the Southern army, living so near the river?" "No, 
indeed! the eternal God is my refuge, and under- 
neath are the everlasting arms. Afraid! oh, no, my 
dear brother; I am sure the Lord will take care of 
me and my children." A calm trust in the living 
God sustained her. After a brief illness this Chris- 
tian mother died in the faith of Christ. There were 
no fears or pangs in her death. To her he was the 
angel of peace. Her youngest daughter married and 
returned to Georgia; another went to St. Louis; one, 
whose husband drank, died after many sorrows. 
Her only boy was drowned in the river when bath- 
ing. The fourth daughter still lives. In all their 
22 



338 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

trying afflictions, the consolations of the gospel sus- 
tained them. 

DYING IN DARKNESS. 

One bright morning in May, 1872, a messenger 
came entreating me to visit Mrs. W., who was near- 
ing her end. Quite sick, the lady had lost her first 
love for Christ ; confessed she could not say, ■ ' My 
Jesus, I love thee! I know thou art mine!", But 
took up the plaintive language of Job, "Oh that I 
knew where I could find him." I urged her at 
once, without delay, to trust Christ and ask him to 
forgive. Read the fifth chapter of Romans and 
prayed. Then sang, "Jesus, lover of my soul!" 
She seemed comforted. I promised to call next 
day; but before I reached her tiome, death had re- 
moved her to the eternal world. We trust she was 
saved. 

INFIDELITY COWARDLY. 

Whilst administering consolation to a very sick 
man, who much enjoyed it, there was present an in- 
fidel, who looked very defiantly at me as I recited 
the twenty-third Psalm. He became very restless, 
and left the room. I tried to persuade him to 
remain, but he would not. His wife and sister re- 
mained, and were ashamed of the conduct of this 
brother and husband. Most infidels quail before 
the sword of the Spirit. 

Another infidel, well known in this community, 
never could be persuaded to hear a gospel sermon; 
and when he attended the funerals of relatives and 
near friends, would invariably stay outside where he 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 339 

could not hear God's warnings through his minis- 
ters. Death came at last for this despiser of God's 
word. 

A young man, whose mother was afflicted, and had 
requested my visits, sat in the parlor with his hat on, 
smoking a cigar, looking .very nonchalant and defi- 
ant. His mother reproved him, but he paid her no 
regard. As I read the fifth chapter of Second Co- 
rinthians, he tried to escape from the room. His 
mother placed her chair at the door. On reading 
the words, "For we must all appear before the 
judgment-seat of Christ," he cried out, "I don't 
believe in a day of judgment." "But it will come, 
and you and I will be there " Again he sought to 
escape, but his mother prevented him. Whilst I 
was praying, he raised the window and leaped out, 
and I saw him no more. His mother apologized. 
We next .heard of his being imprisoned for stabbing 
a man in New Orleans. For aught we know he 
may be now lifting up his eyes in torment. Is not 
infidelity cowardly? What makes them so restless? 
Why tremble at God's word? We have daily proofs 
that such men are cowards. "The fool hath said in 
his heart, There is no God." "Verily, there is a 
God, who judgeth in the earth." 

IMAGINARY WEALTH. 

Some fifteen years ago there died in our city Mrs. 
P., who claimed that her father was one of the heirs 
to the vast Anneke Jans estate, of New York. No 
reasoning of others could dissuade her from trying 
to make good her claim. Letters were written, law- 



340 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

yers consulted; but no wealth ever came to this 
poor family. Her father was totally blind. I vis- 
ited him often, and even to the last he spoke of his 
wealth as much as his hope of heaven. Some years 
after his daughter died, and on her death-bed had 
her will drawn, leaving the city missionary one 
thousand dollars a year; but it was a delusion! 
Never a dollar came to the family, and before she 
died I told her this wealth might be imaginary, and 
nothing more. What strange delusions of the mind 
do some people entertain ! 

The wife of the late Judge Fox, for many years 
an invalid, afflicted with asthma, received an occa- 
sional visit grate f ully. Of a cheerful turn of mind, 
it was really pleasant to spend fifteen minutes in her 
sick-room. Her hope was built on the sure foun- 
dation ; not very demonstrative, but quite practical, 
in her religion. Seldom was her voice heard in the 
meetings. Once, when Dr. Lynd was her pastor, 
he had pronounced the benediction, when Mrs. Fox, 
in a clear and impressive manner, said : 

"What sinners value, I resign ; 
Lord, 'tis enough that thou art mine ; 
I shall behold thy blissful face, 
And stand complete in righteousness." 

After much suffering, she fell asleep in Jesus. 

Her esteemed husband, Judge Fox, died some 
years after, the result of an accident. He was 
knocked down by a passing buggy on the street. 
He had passed his fourscore years. He was a friend 
of the mission, and much esteemed by a large circle 
of our fellow-citizens. 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 341 

A SURPRISE. 

One evening a gentleman brought a note to our 

house containing fifty dollars, with these written 

words : 

Cincinnati, March 7, 1873. 
Dear Brother: — Please accept the inclosed fifty dollars for per- 
sonal use, or the Master's cause, as the case may demand. 

One Who Saw Your Love fob, the Lord on the Ocean. 

There was no name given. God bless the donor, 
whoever he may be. Part of the money was ex- 
pended in publishing hand bills in large print, with 
words of Seripture, which were stuck on the walls of 
the city. Our German Baptists made a translation 
of the same in German, and used them in the north- 
ern part of the city. The rest of the money was 
for personal use. Often have I desired some one 
would appropriate one hundred doilars a year for 
placarding the city with hand-bills, with such words 
as, "Thou shalt not steal;" "Remember the Sab- 
bath-day to keep it holy;" "Thou shalt not kill;" 
"Swear not at all;" "After death the judgment." 
The subject has often been named to men having 
wealth ; but no one seems willing to do it. Why 
not? 

POLICEMAN SHOT. 

A day or two after the opening of our Fifth 
Exposition, September, 1874, one of our faithful 
policemen, while discharging his duty, was shot 
dead by a deaf-mute. As I entered the house, his 
wife, Mrs. Bird, was weeping bitterly with her chil- 
dren. It was truly a heart-rending scene — the sob- 
bing of the mother, and wailing of the children and 



342 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

friends. Prayed with and comforted them. O 
Lord, how long shall these fearful outrages con- 
tinue? Shall there be no end of such dreadful 
murders ? When will men learn to respect and love 
each other? Is not the public conscience rendered 
callous by these continual outrages ? And a morbid 
taste is created by publishing details of such horrid 
crimes, and newspaper men know that such sensa- 
tional articles will be read. 

DEATH OF A SUICIDE. 

I was called to attend the funeral of Laura N., 
who poisoned herself w r ith morphine. Her mother 
and sister were here, and a few other relatives. Her 
brother came in in his working-clothes. Some thirty 
frail women were present. I read the ninetieth 
Psalm and the fifty-fifth chapter of Isaiah, empha- 
sizing the words, "Let the wicked forsake his way, 
and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him 
turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy upon 
him. " I warned them against living a life of sin and 
shame. Many of them wept while I was speaking. 
May the Lord save them. 

A DEATH-BED SCENE. 

Ella R. looked wretched — a picture of despair. 
She cried out: "It is so dark ! I can't see Jesus. " I 
prayed and urged her to trust him, and call on him 
who is able to save. She did so, clasping her hands 
in a supplicating manner. Soon the cloud passed 
away, and the peace and joy came through believing. 
She then blessed him who heard her cry and saved 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 343 

her. I sang, "Safe in the arms of Jesus," and she 
sang with me every word of this precious hymn. 
Her mother and friends wept for joy ; but could not 
sing. Her joy continued for some four hours, when 
she fell asleep in the arms of Jesus. Does any one 
doubt the suddenness of such changes? Remember, 
it is written three times in the Bible: "Whosoever 
shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved." 
It is written again : ' 'Before they call, I will answer ; 
while they are yet speaking, I will hear." 

There are hundreds of living witnesses to these 
truths. Said Jesus: "Only believe. All things are 
possible to him that believeth. Have faith in God. 
Ask, and ye shall receive; seek, and ye shall find; 
knock, and it shall be opened unto you. Whatso- 
ever ye shall ask in faith, it shall be done unto you." 
Surely, such promises are enough for all reasonable 
men. 

One of our mechanics lost his only child, its 
clothing taking fire whilst the mother was out of 
the room, and, after several hours of great suffering, 
it died. The shock to the mother was so great, 
she never recovered. After some months, she fol- 
lowed the child to the grave. The word of God and 
prayer somewhat soothed her aching heart. 

A commercial traveler, from the East, was taken 
suddenly ill at the Burnet House. He sent for me 
to administer spiritual consolation. To every such 
call I cheerfully respond. Surrounded by all the 
comforts and elegancies of life, he needed what the 
world can never furnish — peace with God, and joy 
in his salvation. Most thankfully he listened to the 



344 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

word and prayer, and was grateful for the sympathy 
of an unknown friend. By the blessing of God, the 
physician's skill, and careful nursing, he recovered 
health and resumed his business. 

Our aged friend, William Corbin, died, in 1874, 
after a brief illness, in the faith of Christ. His dear 
wife also passed away to her heavenly rest, trusting 
in" Jesus. 

A young girl, formerly in the House of Refuge, 
died of consumption. Her parents requested my 
visits. At first she expressed a dread of death ; 
but, by the mercy of God, she was led to trust in 
Christ for salvation. Her parents, with her, often 
expressed their thanks for my ministrations. One 
day her mother said, with tears: "You led my child 
to Christ. May God bless you." They were poor 
people; but had a strong affection for their daughter. 

Anson W. M. had been blind for many years; but 
was a great comfort and some help to a widowed 
daughter. He reached the advanced age of ninety 
years, and died in the faith of the gospel he had 
loved so many years. He had a keen relish for the 
word and prayer. 



CHAPTEE XXVI. 

THE CENTENNIAL— 1776-1876. 



VISIT TO PHILADELPHIA. 

Quite unexpectedly, my dear cousin, Miss J. J. E., 
wrote me from London, inclosing a check, and urged 
me to visit that wonderful Exposition in Philadelphia. 
But for her kindness, I should not have gone. It 
was one of the most wonderful Expositions ever 
seen on this continent. While spending some ten 
days in this goodly city, I was struck with the Sab- 
bath observance, and with the crowded houses of 
worship, the number of churches, the great absence 
of profane swearing, and general politeness and 
cheerfulness of the people. 

Philadelphia is noted for its hospitals, asylums 
and widows' homes. Four of the latter I visited. 

In one of these homes there were thirty-three in- 
mates. The matron received me kindly. One of 
the managers was present, and we held a delightful 
religious service, in which all participated, and in- 
vited me to come again. 

Penn Widows' Home is a large and prosperous 

home for these aged women. • The matron, a lady 

(345) 



346 THE CENTENNIAL. 

from Richmond, Indiana, recognized me. Held a 
similar service. 

Baptist Widows Home, at the corner of North 
Seventeenth and Norris Streets, is the most elegant 
and beautiful in arrangements of those I visited. 
The garden was tastefully laid out with bright 
flowers and shrubs. The rooms were elegantly fur- 
nished, and all the appointments excellent, and the 
situation very desirable. I was amazed that the 
Baptists should spend so much money on these aged 
women ; but they love to do it, and have over sixty 
churches from which to draw their funds. Miss 
Moss, the matron, received me very kindly, and con- 
ducted me over the building. We held an informal 
service with a few venerable old ladies. I bless God 
for the benevolence of Philadelphia Christians. 

Cherry Street Widows Home. — I believe this is the 
original one, open for all denominations, and one 
I visited when attending the jubilee of the Baptist 
Missionary Society in 1864. I received a warm 
welcome from the matron, who invited me to tea. 
Afterward we held a real good religious service. 
Many of the old ladies recollected the visits of 
twelve years previous. The Home contained its full 
complement of inmates, and, though over a dozen 
other Homes have been opened, this one has still a 
hold on the hearts and purses of Philadelphia people. 
May God bless them more and more. 

Home for Aged Couples. — This desirable institution 
is fostered by many benevolent men, and is well 
adapted for its purpose. Read the twenty-third 
Psalm and prayed. 



THE CENTENNIAL. 347 

At the Young Men's Christian Association Hall 
heard one of Dr. Henson's famous lectures. The 
building is large, grand and substantial, with all 
modern improvements. 

The Alms-house is an immense building containing 
some four thousand people. It seemed like our 
hospital and both infirmaries combined. The gov- 
ernment of it is very strict, and every ward is 
scrupulously clean. The building is plain, not built 
for show, as too many of our public buildings are. 
One special case of sickness I visited, by request of 
a Philadelphia lady. Everything about this institu- 
tion is done in a thorough, business like manner. 

Attended a service in Dr. Hatfield's church, 
formerly pastor of the St. Paul Methodist Church, 
Cincinnati. Heard Dr. Peddie and Dr. Boardman; 
also, Dr. Wheaton Smith, of Beth Eden Baptist 
Church. In some of their Sabbath-schools I spoke, 
and visited one colored Sabbath-school, on the cor- 
ner of Cherry and Eleventh Streets. Everything 
here was stiff and formal. Gave a brief talk to the 
children. 

Independence Hall, where was signed the Declara- 
tion of Independence one hundred years ago, was 
visited. The grand old bell which sounded out lib- 
erty to all the people, is still kept as a sacred relic ; 
the chair, the table, and many other things. People 
in this city of brotherly love point with commendable 
pride to these ancient relics, and they keep the Hall, 
this cradle of liberty, in good condition ; and will do 
so for years to come. 



348 THE CENTENNIAL. 

THE EXPOSITION. 

It would be entirely out of place to attempt to 
write an account of this remarkable Exposition, 
opened to the public from July to October, and vis 
ited by tens of thousands of people. Skillful pens 
have already well delineated its wonders. But there 
was one object my eyes never tired of beholding, 
and hundreds of people were always watching with 
amazement — it was the Corliss engine. Its mighty, 
majestic stroke moved the hundreds of machines in 
Machinery Hall, from the tiny cradle to the ponder- 
ous hammer and immense hydraulic pumps. Its 
weight, 1,360,588 pounds, and its grand fly-wheel, 
thirty feet in diameter, were alike wonderful. The 
connecting rods, twenty four feet in length, were 
made of nine thousand six hundred horseshoes. It 
took sixty cars to carry this ponderous engine from 
Providence, Rhode Island, to Philadelphia. Manu- 
factured by George H. Corliss, it has a scrap of his- 
tory connected with it worth telling all over the 
world. 

Before the Exposition was opened, men who have 
no regard for the Sabbath, or for Him who says, 
''Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy," 
held a meeting, and resolved to request the Direc- 
tors to open on the Sabbath. A delegation waited 
on them. After much had been said for and against 
opening on the Sabbath, George H. Corliss arose 
and said: " Gentlemen, Directors of the Exposition, 
permit me say, that in the construction of the Corliss 
engine there has never been the touch of a hammer 



THE CENTENNIAL. 349 

on any part of it on a Sabbath-day ; and the engine 
has never made a single stroke on the Sabbath ; and 
so long as I control it, it never shall." This brief, 
practical speech settled the question. The Directors 
agreed that all the gates should be closed; and the 
violators of the Fourth Commandment perceived, 
with all the machinery idle, it would be useless to 
open them. Let it be told to the lasting honor of 
these Directors, and to George H. Corliss in partic- 
ular, that the law of the God of the universe was 
revered and observed. 

This little fact brings to mind an ancient predic- 
tion of the lawgiver: 

"How should one chase a thousand, 
And two put ten thousand to flight ; 
Excep£ their Rock had sold them, 
And the Lord had shut them up ?" 

It is needless to say, Mr. Corliss is a true Christian, 
and carries religion into his business, as every Chris- 
tian should. His Rock had not sold him, for his feet 
were on the Rock of Ages ; and the Lord had not 
shut him up, for he could speak for the Sabbath in 
the face of God's enemies. We need more men of 
such manly courage, less of this cringing to the 
wicked. "Muscular Christianity is what the world 
needs," and the most sensible people in the world 
admire it. We need men in our city who will fear- 
lessly enforce law. Never till we get such men will 
Cincinnati have quiet and peaceable Sabbaths. Cities 
larger than our own enforce these laws, and punish 
the violators. God hasten the day when the laws 
of Ohio shall be impartially enforced. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 



After a very long sickness, Mr. T. , a business 
man, died, April 22, 1876. He welcomed my vis- 
its, and fully appreciated the reading of Scriptures 
and prayers offered for his recovery. He died in 
peace. 

FAITH IN GOD'S PROMISE. 

A Christian mother was afflicted with that most 

m 

painful of diseases, cancer. Its work on this poor, 
emaciated creature continued until death released 
her from suffering. No murmurs ever escaped her 
lips, but continual praise to God for his great mercy. 
Her only daughter, earning eight dollars a week at 
bookbinding, was the support of her mother. As 
she became more and more feeble, the question 
came to her, M Shall I give up my work and wait on 
mother?" After much prayer on the part of both, 
the daughter decided to do so; and this without any 
visible means of support. They rested on the 
promise: "The Lord will provide;" and he did pro- 
vide. During these days, I frequently visited this 

afflicted woman. On one occasion, she said: "I 

(350) 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 351 

want you to understand and tell it to others, that 
not only my wants have been supplied, and my rent 
paid every month, but kind friends have brought me 
the luxuries of life. I have all I need." These 
words were spoken with great earnestness. Her 
daughter continued faithful to her mother, who died 
in perfect peace, and was buried by loving friends. 
A dear, aged Scotch woman it was my privilege to 
visit during the last year of her life, Mrs. McD. 
Like many of her people, she was well versed in the 
Scriptures; no book so precious as the Bible, and 
no being so dear to her heart as Jesus, the sinner's 
friend. His name to her was like ointment poured 
forth. With pleasure she looked forward to the 
time of her rest. It came, she was ready. With 
great affection she often spoke of her relatives, G. 
W. and Wm. McA., friends of the mission. 
• Gur esteemed brother, George Crawford, a warm 
friend of the mission for thirty-five years, sweetly 
passed away August 8, 1887. During the last two 
years he always received my visits thankfully. He 
died in his eighty-fourth year, in the faith of Christ. 

FRIENDS OF THE MISSION. — 1 878-8 I . 

Some of the friends of the mission were called 
away from active service to their rest and reward, 
during these years. John Gates died in September, 
1878, while away from home. He was a noble, 
generous-hearted man, ever ready to aid the poor 
and every worthy cause. More than twenty -five 
years ago, one cold winter's day, I received a note 
from him, requesting me to call at his store. He 



352 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

inquired about the poor and distressed, and then 
said, "I have not time to visit such as you describe, 
but I will help them." So he handed me fifty dol- 
lars, saying, "When that is gone, call again;" and 
so I did, and always found in, John Gates a sym- 
pathizing friend, of whom it may be said: 

"To whom the supplicating eye 
Was never raised in vain." 

It is a great consolation to the bereaved widow to 
know her sons are following their father's example. 

In September, 1879, died one of our liberal citi- 
zens, John Shillito. No matter how busy he was, 
he could spare a few moments to listen to an appeal, 
and he always cheerfully responded. On my last 
visit he was suffering from a cough. I advised him 
to take care of himself. He answered, "I am going 
to New Orleans for a change, and hope to be bene- 
fited." He returned, and shortly afterward entered 
the heavenly rest. 

W E. Davis, another friend of the mission, died 
April 27, 1877. 

F. Dallas rather suddenly finished his course, June 
10, 1881. 

Gardner Phipps, a warm-hearted, liberal contribu- 
tor, died suddenly of a painful disease, July 8, 188 1. 

G F. Davis, after a year's painful illness, died, 
July 9, 1 88 1. He had been a contributor to the 
mission twenty-eight years. During his long and 
painful illness he maintained his usual cheerfulness. 
His end was peace. The last two were buried the 
same day in Spring Grove Cemetery. 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 353 

William Powell, a life-long friend of the mission, 
died aged ninety. 

C. W. Starbuck, proprietor of the Times, a real 
friend of the poor, and a liberal contributor to their 
relief, was very active in the Relief Union, in raising 
money, food and coal, and took an interest in our 
work. His sudden death was deplored by the 
whole community. Ever ready to publish anything 
relating to the mission, as have been editors of 
Commercial Gazette and Enquirer and the religious 
papers. 

The railroad strike at Pittsburg, July 22, 1877, of 
course affected Cincinnati, but the promptness of 
officials, and the good judgment of railroad men, by 
the blessing of God, prevented violence and blood- 
shed in our midst. Only slight were the inconven- 
iences, and they soon came to an end. Thank God 
for it ! 

LAID ASIDE BY SICKNESS. 

On July 25, 1877, completely worn down with 
excessive toil, I was prostrated with sickness until 
September 6th. The pain was acute, but, by the 
blessing of God on Dr. Bronson's mild and pleasant 
medicine, I recovered. My faithful wife seldom left 
the sick-room. Our mutual friends, Drs. Shepherd- 
son and Leavitt, called, and many others. Mrs. E. 
Whitridge offered a most fervent prayer for my recov- 
ery, which God graciously answered. I was thank- 
ful to renew these labors among the poor, and for 
the good health and strength God has given me these 

last ten years. 
23 



354 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

Almost my first duty on recovering, was to preach 
the funeral sermon of R. B., a boy drowned in the 
canal. The parents were grief-stricken over his 
death. It was very sad. Every year there are a 
score or more drowned in our city and vicinity. 
This would be prevented to a great extent, if we 
had what we so much need, a 

PUBLIC SWIMMING-BATH, 

Such as they have in New York and in London, 
where boys and young men could learn the art of 
swimming for a few cents. The man who would 
construct one, would confer an inestimable blessing 
on this community, and would save hundreds of 
precious lives. Oh, how many hearts are nearly 
broken by the drowning of some dear boy or young 
man? 

Two very fine young men were drowned in the 
river while bathing. They were found locked in 
each other's arms. Both were pious, excellent 
men. Some man will say, ''What has this to do 
with city mission work?" A great deal. We ought 
to prevent calamity and death if in our power; and 
we have no right to say with the first murderer, 
"Am I my brother's keeper?" 

Oh, that some benevolent, liberal man would move 
in this matter. A greater boon can scarcely be given 
to a sweltering city in the hot months, than a good, 
commodious public swimming-bath, say three hun- 
dred feet long by sixty wide, shallow enough at one 
end for all boys to learn to swim, and deep enough 
for experts at the other. 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 355 

a saloon-keeper's death. 

In the winter of 1877 I was requested to visit and 
pray for this dying man, who said he had no hope 
of a better life. Quite conscious of the wrong life 
he had lived, he listened to the leading truths of the 
gospel, but said, " It is too late now." He died a 
few hours after I left. Six young men were drink- 
ing and playing cards in the next room. 

Mr. H. died of a fractured skull, the result of an 
accident. His family were quite poor and unable to 
bury him. I collected and gave the widow four dol- 
lars toward the expense, for which she was grateful. 
Eight years have passed since his death, and the 
widow and child have not been forgotten in their 
troubles. 

My old friend Chipman, for many years a whole- 
sale merchant of this city, after a long sickness 
passed away. When near his end, I asked, "Shall 
I sing, 'Jesus, lover of my soul'?" With great em- 
phasis, he said, "There's nothing better." 

A NOTED CHARACTER. 

Cordelia Wade, well known in our city, after 
spending her whole life in sin, drinking and wrong- 
doing, died of consumption under her mother's 
roof. Let no pen ever describe the sad life this 
woman lived. Twice she attempted suicide by 
drowning ; but was rescued. A mother's love is 
stronger than death, and her mother nursed her with 
tender care, bad as she had been. She appreciated 
my visits, and referred to the religious meetings 



356 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

held in the House of Refuge in 1852. She died re- 
gretting the life she had lived. 

Mr. D. , an industrious laboring-man, met with an 
accident which rendered him lame for life— quite 
unable to work. Physicians did their best for over a 
year. He then prepared to go to the City Infirmary. 
Here he remained a few years, with but little im- 
provement. Then he returned home . and died. 
During these years he listened to the word and 
prayer, and, in the last months, was enabled to 
commit his soul to him who died for sinners, His 
faithful wife was blessed by these visits. A few 
years after, I baptized her in the name of Jesus. 
Her daily prayer is that her only son may become a 
Christian man. 

picquet's saloon 

Has for more than a score of years been the resort 
of the lowest and most depraved people. A few 
times I have held a brief service, and found from 
twenty to forty men and women, white and colored, 
order and attention being secured. On one occasion 
my wife went, and we sang three gospel hymns, 
and, after prayer, distributed tracts. Old Mr. Pic- 
quet always treated God's ministers with respect, 
and invited them to preach in this den of iniquity. 
His only son of sixteen was quite sick. His father 
entreated me to pray for and instruct him in right- 
eousness. The lad was very ignorant. The parable 
of the Prodigal Son interested this boy more than 
any other Scripture. Again and again we went over 
it. He promised to arise and go to his Father. Per- 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 357 

naps he was saved. His father gave up an upper 
room, for preaching, to a colored brother. Then the 
sinfulness of his life came before him. He gave up 
selling beer and whisky, and furnished plain food for 
boatmen and others. He turned to God and found 
mercy. He returned to the Union Baptist Church, 
from which he had been excluded over twenty years, 
and was received. Tears trickled down his cheeks 
as he there confessed his sinfulness. A few years 
more and bodily infirmity and old age compelled 
him to keep his bed. He received our visits grate- 
fully. He was then removed to the Hospital, and, 
months later, on July I, 1887, by his own request, 
he was removed to the City Infirmary, and died soon 
after he arrived. In his case, the poet's words are 
true — 

"And while the lamp holds out to burn, 
The vilest sinner may return." 

LOST AND FOUND. 

By some means, a young girl, Evan T. , was en- 
ticed from, or wandered from, home. Her mother 
was nearly distracted with grief. After a long search, 
she was found and restored to her mother. Tears of 
joy from both mother and daughter were witnessed 
by a Christian lady and myself. We all thanked 
God for her return. Rescue the perishing. 

The tragic death of P. P. Bliss, by the railway 
disaster, December 29, 1876, was a shock to the 
whole Christian world. His songs will be loved and 
sung for many generations. At that time I was 
supplying the Walker Mill Road Chapel. A very 



358 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

serious impression pervaded the meeting. We sang 

several of his beautiful hymns. One which affected 

every heart was — 

"I know not what hour my Lord will come 
To call me away to his own dear home ; 
But I know that his presence will lighten the gloom," etc. 

PHILANTHROPISTS. 

Levi Coffin and his wife Catharine, well known in 
this community for over forty years as friends of the 
poor and oppressed, and, during the dark days of slav- 
ery, their sincere helpers, felt much sympathy in city 
mission work. Their house was the asylum of many 
a tired wanderer. At their golden wedding, October 
28, 1874, four hundred of their friends were present, 
to express their congratulations. A few years after, 
sickness came, and, during these months, it was my 
privilege to visit and minister to them. Both died 
in the faith of Christ, thankful that they had been 
able to help thousands of poor people. 

OUR BLIND POET. 

Fanny Crosby, whose hymns have been sung in 
all lands, I met, when visiting W. H. Doane. He 
invited me to tea with her. It was a really enjoy- 
able time. We visited the Orphan Asylum, Mt. 
Auburn, and there the children listened to the voice 
and looked upon the face of one whose hymns were 
dear to their hearts. We sang, "Pass me not, O 
gentle Savior," and others. For the hundred chil- 
dren, she kissed one boy and one girl, and ex- 
pressed her good wishes for them all. 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 359 

YOUNG MAN CONVERTED. 

January, 1883. — Lou G. received his first religious 
impressions from a pious mother, who sent him in 
early life to a Sunday-school. After leaving, like 
hundreds of our boys, he was led away into a 
wild, irreligious life, seldom visiting the house of 
God. A mother's prayers still followed him. God 
answered these prayers "by terrible things in right- 
eousness." He was seized with consumption, which 
defied all medical skill to remove. In these days 
the gospel was indeed the balm of Gilead. He re- 
ceived it, obeyed it, and was saved. He warned the 
young men who visited him, who were prone to 
attend theaters and dances. He was baptized into 
the church of which his mother was a member, and 
died in the faith of Christ. 

DEATH IN A TENEMENT HOUSE. 

The well-known Spencer House has, for some 
years, been rented to small families; often four or 
five persons occupy a single room. In this building, 
a German widow with her three children resided. 
Amidst her toils for bread, sickness came, and that 
fatal disease, consumption, brought her to the grave. 
A pious, industrious and grateful woman, she hailed 
my visits gladly. One very cold day I started from 
home with just two dimes in my purse, and I prayed 
God to dispose some one to help the poor. One 
dime was given to a poor widow to buy a half-bushel 
of coal; the other to this German woman, who said, 
"God bless you !" After singing her favorite hymn, 
"Savior, more than life to me," etc., and a brief 



360 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

prayer, I bade her good-by with an empty purse. I 
looked unto him who is the Father of the fatherless, 
and called on my cousin, J. J. E. , who, after hear- 
ing of these families, said, "Then, I suppose, you 
want money?" "Yes, indeed I do!" Taking my 
collecting book he put in it one hundred dollars. 
For this I thanked him, and thanked God. The 
poor German woman received some every week till 
death; the rest was divided among some forty poor 
families. After the death of this widow, her chil- 
dren were taken to the Orphan Asylum. Two have 
homes, the other is there still. 

In March, 1882, whilst sweeping the snow from 
the front steps, my dear wife fell and sustained seri- 
ous internal injuries, from which she never recovered. 
For two years her sufferings were great, needing con- 
stant attention. All that medical skill could devise, 
and kindness suggest, was done. On March 20, 
1884, after blessing us all, she requested us to sing, 
"Shall we gather at the river?" then said, "All 
is well," and died in perfect peace. For the kind- 
ness of my esteemed cousin, T. J. E. , we shall ever 
feel grateful, and to many other dear friends; to the 
physicians; to Dr. Owens especially, whose unceas- 
ing kindness continued to the end. May the Lord 
reward them. 

CHRISTIAN CHEERFULNESS UNDER SUFFERING. 

After a life of great trial and suffering, a poor 
widow, Mrs. F., found a merciful relief in death. 
In the winter of 1863 she was run over by a sleigh, 
and so severely injured, her life was despaired of. 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 361 

In those days of affliction I was called to visit her. 
She bore her trials with wonderful patience, and 
finally rose from bed lame for life, using her 
crutches till she came to the river of death. With 
her hands she toiled for daily bread. Sickness over- 
took her, and bodily infirmities increased. She was 
glad to find refuge in the City Infirmary. After 
leaving here, a kind friend gave her a home; and, 
after suffering some months, she died in peace. 
Members of Findlay Chapel gave her a decent 
burial. 

AN INFIDEL'S CONVERSION. 

Some ten years ago, whilst visiting an invalid sol- 
dier, hopelessly lame, who has since died in the Sol- 
dier's Home, he wished me to visit a sick man in 
the yard, who, he said, " Is an awfully wicked man. 
He will not allow any one to talk to him on religion. 
Perhaps he will insult you. Will you go and see 
him?" "Certainly." He was sick and alone, his wife 
had gone out to work. I repeated the twenty -third 
Psalm, and asked, "Can you adopt this language?" 
"No, indeed, I can not!" I prayed, and, on leav- 
ing, asked if he would read God's word. He prom- 
ised. A New Testament with Psalms I gave him ; 
it was his daily study. Months after this, he said, 
1 ' I believe God, for Christ's sake, has pardoned all 
my sins." He followed me in prayer, I was amazed 
and delighted; he joined Calvary Church, and became 
an active member. Christ has said, "Many that are 
last shall be first; and the first shall be last." 



362 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

president Garfield's death, 

In September, 1881, from the bullet of the murder- 
ous Guiteau, spread a gloom over the whole nation. 
Among the poorest people there were seen not only 
the emblems of mourning, but there were heard 
expressions of deep sorrow at the awful event. 
Churches were crowded on the following Sabbath to 
hear of our distinguished martyr President. At the 
time, I was supplying Union Baptist Church, and 
spoke from Isaiah lvii. 1: "The righteous perisheth, 
and no man layeth it to heart," etc. The audience 
was deeply affected, and in the afternoon another 
large meeting was held, when many testimonies 
were given to the excellence of our departed 
President 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

COALS FOR THE POOR. 



In February, 1882, I received a note from Mr. J. 
R. McLean, of the Enquirer, requesting - me to call 
at his office. He informed me he wished to make a 
donation of coal for the poor of the city ; and desired 
me to see to its distribution. I consented, and asked 
how much? He said, ''Five thousand bushels." I 
was amazed at the quantity, and his liberality. In 
parting, he said, " You see to its distribution, and I 
will foot all the bills;" and he did. By this liberal 
donation, scores of poor people, chiefly widows, 
were helped to fuel. 

In after-years, Chatfield & Woods, C. H. Gould, 
W. H. Harrison, Henry Powell, W. R. Thompson, 
and others, with money, supplied many poor fami- 
lies with coals, and this, without any discount on 
their donations. Last winter we distributed seven 
hundred and ten bushels. The blessings of the poor 
were pronounced on the donors for this help in their 
time of distress. 



(363) 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 



MINISTERS DEATHS. 

The venerable and beloved pastor, Rev, John 
Lichtenstein, of the German Presbyterian Church 
on Linn Street, died November 7, 1882, after more 
than twelve months of suffering, from an internal 
malady. Their Sabbath school I have addressed 
occasionally for twenty-five years past. The sick 
pastor was always grateful for a brief visit. He 
entered his rest beloved by a large circle of friends. 

Pastor Winnes, another much loved German pas- 
tor, left his flock and a large family, April 30, 1887. 
From his entering missionary work in our city thirty 
years ago, until his death, our friendship was un- 
broken. Both the Linn Street and Liberty Street 
Chapels were built by his untiring labors. Over 
twelve months of suffering he bore with wonderful 
patience and Christian fortitude ; every promise of 
God was precious to his soul. I visited him many 
times until death. On the last visit, with a whisper, 
he said, "Good by, God bless you, we shall meet 
again on the other side." Over thirty ministers were 

present at his funeral, and a crowded congregation. 

(364) 



MINISTERS 1 DEATHS. 365 

It may be said most certainly of such men, 
"Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, from 
henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest 
from their labors, and their works do follow them." 

Rev. H. Bushnell was for forty years missionary in 
the city. Though blind and lame for many years, 
he continued his labors as long as he could walk. 
Beloved by a large number of poor and aged people, 
he died in the work, April 4, 1883. His works fol- 
low him. Six days after this, our brother, Elder 
Stratton, after. some weeks of suffering, went the 
way of all the earth. For many years a resident of 
the city, he performed many marriages and attended 
many funerals; and supplied vacancies in pulpits. 
Both these men were missed by a large number of 
people. 

A TOUCHING CASE. 

For nearly three years a strong man lay paralyzed 
on his bed, perfectly helpless, and very poor. The 
family were really objects of charity. During the 
last six months he lost the power of speech. Both 
himself and family were grateful for help in this 
time of need. During the cold winters it was a 
pleasure to send them coal. A widowed daughter 
and her two children formed part of this family. 
The suffering father died, leaving the others in this 
vale of tears. 

THE WALNUT STREET FIRE, 

In the rag factory, by which many women lost their 
lives, September 5, 1883, led me to visit several 
families who had lost sisters and daughters by this 



366 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

calamity. Mrs. O'Connell's death left six small 
children without a mother; their father died before 
the mother. An aged grandmother was looking 
after the children. Miss L. 's brothers and sisters 
were all grown and able to get along. A German 
family was much distressed over the death of their 
oldest girl, she being the main support of the family. 
Mr. Lee, a cripple, lost two daughters by the fire. 
They lived at home and supported their parents. 
One of them left an infant child. Several others 
were visited and assisted. The Chamber of Com- 
merce came forward generously and aided these suf- 
ferers with a contribution, of which a portion was 
afterward entrusted to me for distribution among 
them. Mr. L. 's family were often relieved after the 
special fund was exhausted. His lameness pre- 
vented him from labor. Three years later an inter- 
nal malady overtook him, which physicians declare 
incurable, so he remains in the hospital waiting 
deliverance. He, with the others, have expressed 
gratitude, not only for the money given, and coal 
in winter, but for the spiritual comfort God has per- 
mitted me to impart. 

UNNATURAL CHILDREN. 

It was a painful sight to witness the sufferings of 
poor widow A., who had three children able to take 
care of her. The oldest, a young man, left her to 
his two sisters. One of them grew tired and left 
home. The oldest, a girl of sixteen, waited on the 
poor, sick mother a few months, and she also grew 
tired, and married a man addicted to drinking — an 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 3C7 

unhappy marriage. So the poor mother was often 
quite alone, and unable to leave her bed. Grate- 
fully she received help and spiritual consolation. 
Soon after, death relieved her of suffering. Her 
children saw her buried, and called me to the fu- 
neral Many bitter tears their mother shed over 
their ingratitude. The husband of the married 
daughter forsook her soon after marriage. Sickness 
of an incurable nature overtook her. For three 
years she found a home in the Infirmary, and died 
after great suffering. Is there not a sublime truth 
in the command, "Honor thy father and thy mother, 
that thou mayest dwell long upon the land which 
the Lord thy God giveth thee"? They who set 
light by father or mother, God will punish. 

A POOR FACTORY GIRL, 

The daughter of a German widow, toiled several years 
to help her mother. After taking a severe cold, 
through being exposed to all weathers, she was 
seized with consumption. A long siege of sickness 
and poverty were hers. How grateful she was to 
hear the word of God and prayer. Her mother 
could never sufficiently express her gratitude. She 
would often say: "The Lord will reward you for all 
you do for my poor child. I never can." After 
many prayers and tears, the sufferer was enabled to 
trust him who is "mighty to save." Is it not a real 
joy to help such as these? They can never recom- 
pense us ; but all will be right by-and by. 

One of my faithful workers in the outdoor mis- 
sion, Joseph N. B., was sunstruck while at work, 



3^8 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

in July, 1885. He lingered until September, suffer- 
ing much pain in his head and back. The last day 
of leaving home, he came to the gospel meeting 
near Music Hall. Too feeble to walk home alone, 
he took my arm, lay down on his bed, and, after 
one month's suffering, entered Immanuel's land. 
Perfectly happy in view of death, with emphasis he 
said: 4 Tf it is the will of God to take me, I am 
ready." At his funeral, from Third Presbyterian 
Church, there gathered a goodly number of his fel- 
low-workmen. 

SALVATION ARMY. 

A death occurred of a woman, who, with her 
husband, was a member of the Salvation Army. 
They came all the way from Wisconsin to seek 
medical aid; but the poor woman died quite sud- 
denly. At the funeral, after we had finished the 
service, one of the members gave out a lively hymn, 
which was sung by them. Then a fervent prayer 
was offered, all kneeling reverently. But the strang- 
est part of all was that the husband of the departed 
woman made the closing prayer, which was fervent, 
and yet entirely submissive to the will of God. This 
was something entirely new in our experience. 

After four years of great suffering, that devoted 
Christian temperance woman, Mrs. C, fell asleep in 
Jesus. Wearisome nights and painful days were 
allotted to her. Often she prayed to depart, uttering 
the words: "Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!" 
And he did come. Precious were the hours spent 
by her sick-bed. 

Mrs. Lamb, whose husband was murdered some 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 369 

years ago, was a subject for kindness, having five 
small children. After struggling six years to main- 
tain them, she died suddenly of paralysis, in Feb- 
ruary, 1887. Gratefully she received help in various 
ways. Her lot was peculiarly trying. 

A TRIPLE FUNERAL. 

The murder of the Taylor family, at Avondale, in 
February, 1884, for the sake of selling their bodies 
to the Medical College, is fresh in the memory of 
most of our citizens. The two murderers, Johnson 
and Ingalls, paid the penalty of their crime— one- 
was hung, and the other hung himself in the jail. 
This horrible crime excited the whole city and 
country. Alas! that such crimes should so often 
be perpetrated. 

Citizens of Avondale paid the expenses of the 
funeral of the victims. The exercises were held in 
the Hall, and, long before the hour named, it was 
crowded to the utmost. Hundreds of colored people 
from the village, from Walnut Hills, and from the 
city, and a large number of white citizens from near 
and far were present. It was one of the largest 
funerals I ever attended— about one thousand people 
inside and fifteen hundred outside the Hall. The 
immense audience arose and sang, "Jesus, love of 
my soul." After prayer and reading the Scriptures, 
an address was given from the words, "As the Lord 
liveth, and as thy soul liveth, there is but a step be- 
tween me and death." Reports were given in daily 
papers of this discourse, which need not here be 
reprinted. The entire audience was in sympathy 
24 



370 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

with the preacher. After the funeral, many citizens 
expressed their indignation at the awful crime, and 
if the murderers had been anywhere near, they 
would certainly have been hung. 

Visiting Mrs. McCrea, a daughter of the murdered 
woman, she wept very sorrowfully at the awful end 
of her mother and father. God grant that such a 
crime may never again be perpetrated. Such crim- 
inals ought to be speedily and certainly dealt with. 
The "law's delay," and the ease with which criminals 
escape, tend to increase crime. "Let no guilty 
man escape," is a sound maxim. 

DWELLERS IN BOATS. 

Lying on the river-bank, near the Southern Rail- 
road bridge, are a number of small boats, each con- 
taining a whole family. There are from twenty to 
forty of such frail crafts. The occupants prefer 
that mode of life to any other. The men find work 
at shoveling coal and such labor. In the winter of 
1885 there was much suffering among these people. 
A widow lady, hearing of this, supplied me with 
money to assist them. In one boat were three sick 
children, with their parents. The children died one 
after the other, and friends assisted in burying them. 
In another boat was a young woman consumptive. 
She refused to go to the hospital. One boat was a 
model of neatness — the husband a mechanic; mother 
and grown daughter Christian people. Gladly they 
listened to the word and prayer. The boat was 
divided into three rooms, nicely furnished. Its 
occupants were quite at home in their frail craft. 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 371 

Other boats contained men given to liquor drink- 
ing, and, as a result, quarreling. In one of these 
altercations, Allen was killed by Oliver, who is now 
in the penitentiary. The murdered man was buried 
November 6, 1883. He was much respected by the 
neighbors. I was called to attend the funeral, which 
was largely attended. Warnings were given against 
drinking. All were urged to repent and seek sal- 
vation. 

When in trouble, these poor people find their way 
to our home for relief, which is always rendered to 
the really needy. Two couples have visited us to get 
married, and they go on their way rejoicing. God 
bless these poor people who prefer to live <^n the 
river-bank, and so escape rent and taxes. 

. CONVERTED IN THE PENITENTIARY. 

Following is the letter referred to on page 20, of 
one who was converted in the Ohio Penitentiary. 
The reading of it has been blessed of God to many 
souls. It is now published that others may be 
blessed. 

State Prison, Columbus, December 28, 1862. 

My Dear Wife: — Brother Grover, our Chaplain, came to me yes- 
terday, and informed me he had received a letter from a Baptist 
missionary in Cincinnati, concerning the state of your health, and 
also to know your desire concerning our children, if the Lord 
should take you away before I get my liberty, which, in all prob- 
ability, would be the case. 

God alone knows, my dearest, what my feelings have been since 
I received that news. Oh! wretched man that Jam! Why is it 
that I can't go with you? Why am I left to grovel alone in this 
world ? Why can't I leave it with you ? Yesterday there was one 
poor fellow from the shop where I work taken to his long home. I 



372 VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 

almost envied him that the call came to him instead of me. But 
we must submit to the will of the Lord. My daily prayer is, 
"Lord, forbid that I should complain of thy chastenings." 

My dear, you know that I wrote to you some time ago, to let 
me know your desire concerning the children and myself. I want 
you to let me know immediately, and, though it rend my very 
heart, it shall be complied with. It is hard for me to give you 
up all together; but I feel I won't be long behind you; there- 
fore, we should do what we believe is best for our three children. 
But, my dearest, inquire of the Lord to direct you in making up 
your mind. 

I have taken a vow on myself to live the remainder of my days 
according to your desires, and when I fail to comply, may the 
Lord forget me. My dear wife, this comes to you on a sad errand — 
I have to inform you that I have to remain until my time is out. 
! But, my dearest, lift up your eyes toward heaven, and, by the 
assistance of divine grace, that you may not faint, through too 
much grief, which might affect your tender and delicate frame. 
Moderate your sorrow, and be consoled to know that I am pre- 
pared to bear with patience and resignation my imprisonment. I 
have long since devoted my body, my soul, my life and all I have to 
Jesus Christ, our Savior. Though confined in prison, I shall direct 
1 my thoughts to, and delight myself with, meditations on heavenly 
things, and my spirit, which can not be shut up within these nar- 
• row walls, shall range at large in that desirable paradise. 

Am I separated from you and our dear children? my God, my 
Savior, and holy angels will keep me company. Am I esteemed 
among men as a criminal and numbered with trangressors ? yet the 
Holy Spirit will impress my heart that I am a child of God and 
an heir of everlasting life. 

I will occupy myself day and night with supplications, reading 
the Scriptures and prayer. But, alas ! when I think of you and 
our dear children, the certainty I have you will grieve too much, 
breaks my heart. But remember how many faithful servants of 
our Lord have had similar trials. Confide in the Lord, be re- 
signed, add not to your suffering by excessive grief. 

My dear wife, I can not yet give you up. I still have a hope 
that the Lord will spare us to see each other again in this world. 
I have but two months and three days more to stay in this place, 
and that will soon slip around. So, ray dear, be encouraged ; but 



VISITATIONS TO FAMILIES. 373 

always be ready to meet your God. I want you to write and let 
me know if you are resigned to the will of God, and whether 
Christ is precious to your soul. Can you say — 

"Other refuge have I none, 
- Hangs my helpless soul on thee ; 
* * * * * 

All my trust on thee is staid, 
All my help from thee I bring" ? 

If that is the case, we can say : "O death, where is thy sting? 
O grave, where is thy victory ?" 

My dear, beloved wife, I want you to write and tell me you for- 
give me for all my abuse and neglect toward you, and for all I 
have caused you to suffer. If you don't do it, I will be a wretched 
man all my life. If we should never see each other again in this 
world, leave your pocket Bible and your miniature, witli the Bible 
containing the family register, in the hands of your minister, and 
his name, that I may get them when I come to the city. 

My dear wife, I can exclaim with Job in his affliction : "My 
kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me. 
All my near friends abhor me." But, thank God, I have a friend 
in heaven, for "I know that my Redeemer liveth." Now, my 
dear wife, I commend you to God. He who "tempers the wind ta 
the shorn lamb" will never forsake you. Pray for your unfortunate 
husband, that he may ever live at the foot of the cross, and, if we 
never meet on earth, that we may meet in heaven. May God 
bless you and spare you to me, is the prayer of your unworthy 
husband, Henry McElhaney. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

THE TWO FLOODS— 1883-'84 



Our beautiful Ohio River overflowed its banks, 
and rose to a higher point than was ever known in 
the history of our city. It reached its highest point 
February 15, 1883, sixty-six feet six inches. It en- 
tailed great distress on hundreds of our poor fam- 
ilies, besides sweeping away thousands of dollars 
worth of lumber and other property. For one week 
I paddled about in a boat, supplying people with 
bread, meat and coffee, who were living in upper 
rooms. Two policemen went with me often among 
piles of lumber, through which it was difficult to 
steer. All along Front, Sixth and Freeman Streets, 
the water was up to and above the ceilings of the 
houses. 

McLean Chapel, Ninth Street, was generously 
opened for the washed-out people. The Lower 
Eighth Street School house was given up for the 
same purpose. Provisions were abundantly sup- 
plied by the generosity of our citizens. It may 

seem surprising — it is yet true — a large flat-boat of 

(374; 



THE TWO FLOODS, 375 

coal was drawn up Freeman Street to Taylor Street, 
and there unloaded. It was difficult to get at the 
coal-yards in those days. 

The second flood, in February, 1884, was greater 
in volume than the other. It reached seventy one 
feet and one half an inch, the greatest flood ev( r 
known in this vicinity. Water covered the arch- 
way on Spring Grove Avenue, and about fifteen 
inches in the waiting room. It seems almost in- 
possible, yet such was the fact. A committee of 
relief was organized, and thousands of dollars were 
spent in helping sufferers. There was less destruc-" 
tion of property than in the first flood, as merchants 
removed their goods in time. Every one inclined to 
aid sufferings had their energies fully taxed. May 
we never again be visited by such a dire calamity. 

THE FLOOD AND ITS LESSONS 

Has been written upon by abler pens than mine, yet 
there are a few things worth repeating and remem- 
bering. Such calamities are beyond the reach of 
mortals to avert. He who rides upon the wings of 
the wind, and holds the waters in the hollow of his 
hand, does sometimes send abundance of rain as a 
scourge, and then restrains it, and causes drouth 
and famine. Men may reason and philosophize as 
they please, there is a Being who governs this 
material world, holds it in its orbit, and continues it 
in its course. In the time of drouth, and in the 
times of flood and pestilence, blessed is the man 
who can say: "God is our refuge and strength — a 
very present help in trouble." 



376 THE TWO FLOODS. 

THE BENEVOLENCE OF PEOPLE 

Is wondrously brought out. Men and women, and 
even children, freely contributed money, food and 
clothing for the suffering. Just as it was in war- 
times — all sorts of people, even the poorest, did 
something to relieve our suffering soldiers, and those 
impoverished by the war. Common calamities do 
develop benevolence among people. Of course, 
there are stingy people in every community, who 
never will know that "it is more blessed to give 
than to receive." 

THE SUFFERERS ARE BLESSED. 

In this they feel they are linked to humanity, they 
are part of the human family, they are not forgotten 
by their wealthier neighbors. That was a great 
truth uttered years ago by Judge Stanley Matthews, 
at the Orphan Asylum anniversary. Pointing to 
the one hundred orphan children before him, he 
said: "Every one of these children is linked to you 
and to me by the ties of humanity." And so they 
are. Yes, the poorest, most ignorant, the most 
afflicted, and even the most depraved, all are linked 
to us by ties of humanity. Thrice blessed is the 
man who uplifts the fallen and instructs the ignorant. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

ORIGIN OF THE MISSION". 



THE CHANGE. ITS PRESENT CONDITION. 

This city mission originated in the brain and heart 
of Rev. E. G. Robinson, D.D., President of Brown 
University, in January, 1852. He was then pastor of 
Ninth Street Baptist Church ; an excellent preacher, 
a good pastor, and a most devoted Christian, loved 
and respected by the whole church and community. 
Thoroughly missionary himself, he did much to fos- 
ter a missionary spirit among the people. Around 
him were deacons and others of a like spirit; among 
them may be named John Bevan, John Ewing, John 
Shepardson, George Crawford, R. A. Holden, G. F. 
Davis, H. T. Miller, and Willam Powell, Sr. These 
brethren, and others, with many excellent women, 
took a lively interest in the work of sending the 
gospel to the poor of our city. The pastor and 
these brethren directed the missionary in his first 
efforts. 

On February 22, 1852, at a meeting of the church, 
I was appointed their city missionary for six months, 

at a salary of thirty-five dollars a month. That 

(377) 



378 ORIGIN OF THE MISSION. 

seems now a very small sum, but everything was 
lower in price then. Best cuts of beef five and six 
cents a pound, butter twenty cents, eggs three 
dozen for twenty-five cents, and other articles in 
proportion. The neat cottage where we resided, of 
four rooms, 136 Clinton Street, still stands, and was 
only eight dollars a month ; so we lived without 
contracting any debts, happy in a good work. 
Monthly reports were made to the church of the 
work done, and, toward the end of the year, a dona- 
tion party was given in our little dwelling. About 
seventy persons came, with the pastor, and took 
possession, bringing with them hams, chickens, 
pies, coffee, sugar, tea, bread, and all sorts of 
things; and clothing for myself and wife. Thus we 
were made one hundred and fifty dollars richer by 
this visit. But the good done socially and spiritu- 
ally was beyond calculation. Amid this packed 
company stood the tall form of the beloved pastor, 
who seemed one of the happiest of the group. 
After all had regaled themselves with good coffee, 
sandwiches, cake, etc., an informal meeting was 
called, when Dr. Robinson expressed his great grat- 
ification at the scene before him. He uttered his 
best wishes for the missionary and his wife; and 
urged every one present to heartily sustain the mis- 
sion. Then he offered a fervent prayer for all inter- 
ested. After this, was sung that good old hymn : — 

" Blest be the tie that binds 
Our hearts in Christian love." 

Hundreds of times we have heard this hymn sung, 

but never with more heartiness than on this occasion. 



ORIGIN OF THE MISSION. 379 

The donors and receivers were very happy that even- 
ing as they separated for their respective homes. 
Another donation party was given February 7, 1856. 
Next year the salary was raised to six hundred dol- 
lars a year. Entire confidence was expressed by 
the subscribers, both as to the work and the mis- 
sionary. Dr. Robinson was called to Rochester 
Theological Seminary, and left the city, to the regret 
of a large circle of friends. Rev. W. F. Hansell, 
D. D., succeeded, and, at the end of five years, he, 
with others, concluded to invite other churches to 
assist with contributions. So a public meeting was 
called, and a change in its management was effected, 
by election of President, Secretary, and Treasurer. 
The churches contributing were: Ninth Street Bap- 
tist Church ; First Baptist Church ; Mt. Auburn and 
Union Baptist Church; and its Sabbath-schooL 
Each church appointed its committee, and arranged 
for the collection of funds. The work went on as 
usual, as may be read in the foregoing pages, until 
1862. Amid the excitement of the war nearly 
everything was deranged ; and every society suffered 
more or less. The city was full of sick and wounded 
soldiers, and the strength of the missionary was 
taxed to the utmost. One meeting after another 
was called by the Society ; and the last was held in 
Ninth Street Church, November 10, 1862. 

There was two hundred dollars deficiency; and 
there seemed no desire to carry on the mission any 
further. I felt God had called me to the work, and 
though some of them became weary in well doing, 
that God would raise up other friends to carry on 



380 ORIGIN OF THE MISSION. 

the mission. The result of the meeting was, a reso- 
lution was unanimously adopted recommending me 
as well adapted to city mission work; and com- 
mending the subject to all benevolent citizens. A 
list of subscribers was handed me amounting to four 
hundred dollars, and the two hundred dollars was 
raised ; and so the Society came to an end. 

PRESENT CONDITION OF THE MISSION. 

On leaving the meeting there seemed to be a liv- 
ing voice, which said, "The Lord will provide." 
That voice sounded in my ears all that night, and it 
is heard now oftentimes in darkness and under dis- 
appointment. It was a subject of sincere prayer for 
direction; and we reached the conclusion, that the 
work here must be carried on, and the means would 
be furnished. Next morning, calling on our vener- 
able brother, Wm. Powell, he promised to write a 
special appeal to our citizens. It was signed W. P., 
and published in the papers. He said ten years 
of faithful labor was a guarantee of the fitness of a 
missionary for his work. He, and several others, 
doubled their contributions. God be praised for 
these friends ! 

VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS. 

For the past twenty-five years the missionary has 
been sustained by the voluntary subscriptions of all 
kinds of people. Baptists, Presbyterians, Congre- 
gationalists, Episcopalians, and Hebrews, and others 
have been regular contributors. All funds are col- 
lected and disbursed by myself. There are three 



ORIGIN OF THE MISSION. 381 

distinct branches, each one being kept separate: the 
Poor Fund; the Book and Tract Fund; and the 
fund for support of the missionary. At the end of 
each year, November ist, the books are examined 
by two business men. Contributions range from 
one dollar to one hundred. 

Every one who has contributed any gift, however 
small, in this Christ-like, benevolent work, has the 
thanks of many grateful hearts, and of hundreds of 
people, whom he may never see. The poor and 
aged people in the infirmaries are peculiarly grate- 
ful; and, on every visit, they express it in earnest 
words. The sick and dying in our hospitals often 
utter their thanks with their dying breath. Often 
they say, "God bless you, we shall meet in 
heaven." 

Children in the asylums always enjoy the singing 
and Bible instruction. On the last visit made* dur- 
ing the burning days of July, Mrs. W. thanked me 
for taking the trouble to hold service with the chil- 
dren. The German superintendent and matron 
both expressed their hearty thanks also. Is it not 
a real pleasure to feed the hungry and give water 
to the thirsty? Is not this following the example of 
the Redeemer of the world? Oh, for more of his 
Spirit ! 

As to the hundreds of families visited every year, 
the expressions of many are given in the foregoing 
pages. Some in their dying moments speak with 
tears the gratitude of their souls. May God bless 
every family, and every individual visited, with his 
choice blessings ; and may we all meet in glory. 



382 ORIGIN OF THE MISSION. 

My prayers are offered for God's rich blessings to 
rest on every one who has contributed to our sup- 
port. May they, and we, never become weary in 
well doing, bearing in mind always the words of 
Paul the Apostle: " Therefore, my beloved breth- 
ren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding 
in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that 
your labor is not in vain in the Lord " (i Cor. xv. 58). 

THE END. 



